Opposition initiates bid to unseat Speaker — first since 1987 — accusing Om Birla of clear bias
New Delhi: Escalating tensions during the ongoing Parliament session, Opposition parties on Tuesday submitted a notice (signed by 108) to move a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct and denying adequate opportunities for Opposition members to raise public issues in the House.
The move marks a sharp political escalation amid repeated disruptions and adjournments in the Lok Sabha.
Opposition Flags Procedural Bias
Congress Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore said the decision reflected the Opposition’s faith in constitutional propriety but also deep frustration over what it described as consistent denial of speaking opportunities to its MPs. He called the notice an extraordinary step taken under extraordinary circumstances, stressing that it was not driven by personal differences with the Speaker.
The notice was submitted after Opposition MPs met Birla following days of ruckus in the House.
Flashpoint Over Rahul Gandhi Speech, Suspensions
The Congress had earlier indicated it might pursue such action unless Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was allowed to speak and the suspension of eight party MPs was withdrawn, as proceedings remained stalled for several consecutive days.
Rahul Gandhi publicly criticised the functioning of the House, alleging he was prevented from quoting excerpts from former Army chief General M.M. Naravane’s book, while members of the treasury benches were permitted to speak at length using references from multiple publications without intervention from the Chair.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨
United Opposition led by Congress submitted ‘Resolution of Removal’ against LS Speaker Om Birla with 118 MPs support.
Historic humiliation for Om Birla, He deserves EVEN WORSE 🔥pic.twitter.com/znuSBADkBW
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) February 10, 2026
Divergence Within Opposition Camp
Despite the political signalling, the resolution is widely viewed as symbolic given the Opposition’s lack of numerical strength in the Lok Sabha. The Trinamool Congress had earlier suggested that an appeal be made to the Speaker before proceeding with such a motion, pointing to some tactical differences within the Opposition bloc.
Constitutional Route for Removal
Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India, the Speaker may be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all sitting members of the Lok Sabha, provided at least two weeks’ notice is given before the motion is taken up.
Deepening Parliamentary Deadlock
The development highlights intensifying friction between the treasury benches and the Opposition during the session, with disputes over floor time, disciplinary action against MPs and conduct of proceedings emerging as key flashpoints contributing to the ongoing deadlock in the House.
