The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has directed its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House during the upcoming second phase of the Budget Session. The directive emphasizes the importance of their presence on March 9-10 for crucial legislative matters. This move comes amidst discussions regarding a possible motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla over alleged bias against the Opposition.
The BJP whip, dated March 6 and signed by Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, the party’s chief whip in Lok Sabha, highlights the significance of the legislative business scheduled for March 9 and 10. All Lok Sabha members are urged to actively participate and support the Government’s stance during these sessions. Reports indicate that the House may address a resolution against Speaker Om Birla as early as March 9, focusing on alleged partisan behavior towards the Opposition.
Speaker Om Birla is expected to be present during these proceedings but is unlikely to preside over the House due to his decision to abstain from chairing sessions following the Opposition’s resolution. As per established protocols, Om Birla retains the right to vote on the resolution when it is presented in the House. Over 100 Opposition members had previously submitted a notice for a resolution against the Speaker during the initial part of the Budget Session.
The Opposition, particularly the Congress, has expressed discontent with the Speaker’s perceived favoritism towards Rahul Gandhi, citing instances where the Leader of the Opposition was allegedly denied opportunities to address critical issues. The Congress party has also issued a similar directive to its Lok Sabha MPs, requiring their presence from March 9 to March 11. With tensions expected to rise as the Budget Session resumes, the House anticipates renewed efforts by the Opposition to challenge Om Birla’s position as the Lok Sabha Speaker.
