New Delhi | RBN News | March 10, 2026
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session intensified on Tuesday as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly defended Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla while responding to an Opposition-backed resolution seeking his removal.
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The debate unfolded after the House took up the motion moved earlier by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed alleging that the Speaker had failed to maintain impartiality in conducting parliamentary proceedings.
The government rejected the allegations and accused the Opposition of undermining the institution of the Speaker.
Rijiju Criticises Opposition Over Motion
During his remarks in the Lok Sabha, Kiren Rijiju questioned the intent behind the resolution seeking the Speaker’s removal.
He said the position of the Speaker has historically commanded respect across party lines and argued that bringing a motion against the office was unprecedented in the current political context.
Rijiju stated that the move appeared aimed at targeting the institution of parliamentary democracy rather than addressing genuine procedural concerns.
According to him, questioning the authority of the Speaker could weaken the parliamentary system.
Response to Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks
The Union Minister also referred to comments made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during the debate.
Rijiju said he felt “offended” when Rahul Gandhi reportedly remarked that he did not require permission from anyone to speak in Parliament.
The minister emphasised that under parliamentary rules, members must receive recognition from the Speaker before addressing the House.
He said the Speaker’s authority is fundamental to ensuring orderly debates and maintaining decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
Government Praises Speaker’s Tenure
Defending Om Birla’s record as Speaker, Rijiju highlighted what he described as several achievements during his tenure.
He said that the Lok Sabha had witnessed a large number of issues being raised by members during Birla’s term.
The minister also credited Birla with strengthening parliamentary diplomacy through the formation of multiple parliamentary friendship groups with other countries.
According to Rijiju, such initiatives contributed to strengthening parliamentary engagement at the international level.
Claim of Opposition Disagreement
Rijiju also claimed that several opposition members privately expressed reservations about the motion seeking the Speaker’s removal.
He said that around 50 MPs from opposition parties had met him and indicated that they were not supportive of the move.
However, the minister did not provide details of the discussions or identify the members involved.
BJP Issues Whip for Party MPs
Amid the ongoing debate, the Bharatiya Janata Party issued a whip directing its Members of Parliament to remain present in the Lok Sabha on March 11.
The whip was issued in view of the continuing discussion on the motion related to the Speaker.
Party whips are typically issued to ensure that MPs attend and vote according to the party’s position during important parliamentary proceedings.
Debate Occurs Amid Wider Political Tensions
The debate over the Speaker’s position comes during a turbulent phase of the Budget Session.
The second phase of the session began with disruptions in both Houses of Parliament, particularly over demands by opposition parties for a dedicated discussion on the ongoing West Asia crisis.
While the government maintained that External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had already briefed Parliament on the situation, opposition parties continued to push for a more detailed debate.
The disagreement contributed to repeated disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.
Parliamentary Procedure for Speaker Removal
Under the Constitution and parliamentary rules, a Lok Sabha Speaker can be removed through a resolution passed by a majority of members of the House.
Such a motion requires advance notice and is debated before being put to a vote.
The Speaker typically does not preside over proceedings when a motion regarding their removal is under discussion.
Historically, attempts to remove a Speaker have been rare and often occur during periods of intense political confrontation.
What Happens Next
The debate on the resolution is expected to continue in the Lok Sabha, with members from both the ruling alliance and opposition parties presenting their arguments.
The outcome will depend on whether the motion is eventually put to a vote and the numerical support it receives in the House.
The Budget Session continues amid sharp exchanges between the government and opposition, with the discussion over the Speaker’s position emerging as one of the most significant developments in the current parliamentary proceedings.
