No-Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Rahul Gandhi Says PM Modi Compromised, Ravi Shankar Prasad Strongly Denies

The Lok Sabha turned into a battlefield on the third day of Parliament’s Budget Session as the opposition’s no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla sparked fiery exchanges. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi directly accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “compromised”, while senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad firmly rejected the charge.

Speaking during the debate, Rahul Gandhi said, “Whenever we try to speak, we are interrupted. This discussion is about democracy and the role of the Speaker… The last time I spoke, I raised the issue of compromises on the part of the Prime Minister.” He added that this was the first time the Leader of Opposition was not allowed to speak freely in the House. “The Prime Minister is compromised,” he repeated.

Moments after Rahul Gandhi finished, Ravi Shankar Prasad rose and hit back sharply. “Never… never. PM Modi’s India will never be compromised,” he declared. He reminded the House that despite repeated disruptions, Speaker Om Birla has remained calm and smiling. “They lack basic understanding,” Prasad said, criticising the opposition for surrounding the Speaker and throwing papers.

Heated Clashes and Personal Attacks

The debate saw multiple BJP MPs join the attack. Anurag Thakur accused Rahul Gandhi of siding with the “Tukde Tukde gang” and having “FOMO for headlines”. He said the House will run by the rulebook, not anyone’s “personal toolkit”. Nishikant Dubey rejected any “certificate” from the opposition, while Kiren Rijiju warned that CCTV footage of opposition MPs entering the Speaker’s chamber on February 11 could be released if needed.

Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, hit back by questioning why Prime Minister Modi was absent from the House. “Where is our PM? Why is he not here to speak on the Speaker’s no-confidence motion?” Venugopal asked. He also alleged microphones were being switched off when opposition leaders stood to speak.

Opposition Links Debate to LPG Shortage Crisis

The no-confidence motion against Om Birla debate ran parallel to loud protests over the LPG shortage. Opposition MPs created uproar during Question Hour, forcing multiple adjournments. Congress and TMC leaders blamed the government for failing to handle the impact of the West Asia conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. They pointed out that commercial LPG cylinders are now unavailable in many places, with prices up ₹60 for commercial and ₹115 for domestic cylinders.

CPI(M) MP Amra Ram said the country is not functioning as effectively as before. Priyanka Chaturvedi and K.C. Venugopal highlighted how hotels, restaurants and even crematoriums in Pune are shutting down due to the gas crisis. Several MPs demanded immediate discussion and long-term planning from the Centre.

Motion Unlikely to Succeed

As per Article 94 of the Constitution, removing the Speaker needs a simple majority. With the NDA holding over 290 seats, the motion is widely expected to fail. The Speaker will not preside during the debate but can speak and vote as a regular MP.

The House witnessed repeated sloganeering and walkouts, yet proceedings continued after brief adjournments. Live updates from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha show the government defending its position while the opposition keeps the pressure on issues of democracy and daily hardships like rising LPG prices.

This intense session reflects the growing tension between the ruling alliance and the opposition ahead of key legislative business. Readers can follow Bhaskar English for minute-by-minute Parliament updates as the debate continues.

In a historic and rare parliamentary move, the opposition parties in the Lok Sabha introduced a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. With more than 50 MPs voting in favor of the motion’s introduction, the House has cleared the way for a marathon 10-hour discussion regarding the Speaker’s neutrality and the government’s handling of global energy shifts.

The motion comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, as the conflict in West Asia begins to ripple through the Indian economy, triggering heated debates over fuel prices and national security.

The Charge: Allegations of Bias and "Silenced Microphones"

The primary catalyst for this no-confidence motion is the opposition's claim that the Speaker’s office has lost its impartiality. Senior leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Manickam Tagore, accused Om Birla of favoring the Treasury benches and stifling the voices of the over 200 opposition members.

"The microphone has become a weapon," Gogoi stated during the opening remarks. "It is operated according to the convenience of the ruling party, while the Leader of the Opposition is often denied the floor."

Because the motion specifically targets the Speaker, Article 96 of the Constitution was invoked, requiring Om Birla to vacate the Chair during the proceedings. In a move that sparked further friction, the government appointed Jagdambika Pal to preside over the session—a decision the opposition questioned, citing the lack of a Deputy Speaker in the current House.

West Asia Conflict: The Economic Backdrop

While the no-confidence motion focuses on parliamentary conduct, the underlying fire is being fueled by the escalating war in West Asia. The opposition has demanded an urgent, dedicated discussion on:

• Energy Security: Discrepancies in national oil stock figures (reported between 25 and 75 days).

• Inflation: Recent hikes in LPG rates by ₹55 per cylinder and rising CNG prices.

• Citizen Safety: The evacuation of 67,000 Indians from the conflict zone and the tragic deaths of two Indian merchant seafarers.

Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister, claiming the "compromised" government is failing to protect the common man from historic crude oil price surges. "The stock market is falling, and our Prime Minister does not have the courage to discuss it," Gandhi remarked outside the House.

Can the Motion Succeed?

Despite the symbolic victory of getting the motion admitted, the math remains in favor of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

• Required for Passage: A simple majority of the members present and voting.

• Current Numbers: The NDA maintains a comfortable lead with over 290 MPs.

• Speaker’s Rights: While Om Birla cannot preside during the debate, he retains the right to speak in his defense and cast a vote as a member of the House.

What’s Next for Parliament?

The 10-hour debate is expected to be one of the most contentious sessions in recent history. Beyond the Speaker, the opposition is also readying a separate draft for a "no-confidence motion" against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, signaling a coordinated effort to challenge key institutional heads.

As the West Asia crisis intensifies, the Indian public remains focused on whether this parliamentary showdown will lead to concrete solutions for rising living costs or simply result in further legislative stalemate.

Lead: A New Chapter in Dhaka

In a pivotal moment for South Asian politics, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17, marking the culmination of the BNP's resounding election victory. The Tarique Rahman oath ceremony, breaking tradition by unfolding at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Complex in Dhaka, signals a fresh era of democratic renewal. With invitations extended to regional heavyweights, this event underscores Bangladesh's push for balanced diplomacy amid shifting alliances.

Just six hours ago, sources confirmed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead India's delegation, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tied up with a high-stakes bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day, extends his best wishes but stays home. This diplomatic juggling act highlights the intricate web of India's foreign policy priorities.

Why It Matters Now: Resetting Regional Ties

The Tarique Rahman oath ceremony arrives at a critical juncture, just weeks after the BNP's triumph that ousted the long-ruling Awami League. As Bangladesh navigates post-election stability, the event spotlights renewed India-Bangladesh diplomacy. Experts like Dr. Amit Das, a South Asia analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, note: "This isn't just a swearing-in—it's a litmus test for regional cooperation. With Pakistan's PM also invited, India must tread carefully to avoid alienating a key neighbor while resetting ties strained under Sheikh Hasina's tenure."

Timeliness amplifies its relevance: Macron's visit, kicking off February 16 in Delhi before shifting to Mumbai, will ink multiple MoUs on defense and trade. For Indian businesses eyeing Bangladesh's $450 billion economy, stronger bilateral links could unlock trade corridors and energy projects. Yet, caution prevails—New Delhi seeks mutual respect without haste, especially as Dhaka courts China and SAARC revival.

Tarique's Vision: Unity and Pragmatism

In his first post-victory media address on Saturday, Tarique Rahman, son of founding BNP leader Ziaur Rahman and ex-PM Khaleda Zia, outlined a people-first foreign policy. "Bangladesh's interests come first," he declared, praising China as a vital development partner while committing to legal processes on Hasina's potential extradition from India.

Key pledges include:

- Reviving SAARC: As the brainchild of his father, Rahman vows to rally members like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for reactivation, fostering economic integration stalled since 2016.

- Ironclad Law and Order: No tolerance for disruptions; equal justice for all to ensure stability.

- National Unity: An appeal for citizens to prioritize collective strength over divisions, echoing the BNP election victory's unifying narrative.

Rahman's journey—from 2007 arrest on corruption charges to 17 years in exile in London, and triumphant return last year—adds a personal layer. Acquitted in key cases, he now steers a nation toward "true freedom and rights."

Modi's Congratulatory Outreach

PM Modi wasted no time, phoning Rahman Friday to congratulate him and pledge deeper ties. The BNP reciprocated on X: "We're ready for constructive engagement with India, rooted in mutual respect and regional prosperity." As Om Birla's presence at the Tarique Rahman oath ceremony symbolizes continuity, it also opens doors for future summits.

Eyes on South Asia's Horizon

This oath ceremony isn't mere pageantry—it's a blueprint for Bangladesh's future and South Asia's stability. For readers tracking global shifts, watch for SAARC's pulse: a revived forum could boost intra-regional trade by 20%, per World Bank estimates. As Rahman takes the helm, his balanced approach offers practical hope—urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over discord. In an era of flux, unity might just be the region's greatest asset.

In a rare and dramatic escalation in Parliament, 118 Opposition MPs have submitted a no-confidence notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The move comes after days of heated exchanges during the Budget Session, with the Opposition accusing the Speaker of partisan conduct.

The notice was submitted on February 10, just a day after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly complained that Birla had gone back on a promise to let him speak on key issues. At the time, BJP MP Sandhya Rai was presiding, and Gandhi was not allowed to continue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju denied any such assurance existed.

What Triggered the Om Birla No Confidence Motion?  

The flashpoint occurred when Rahul Gandhi told the House that the Speaker had personally assured him speaking time before the Budget. When denied, the House was adjourned. On February 10, Om Birla was notably absent from the chair.

The Opposition lists four main charges in the notice:  

- Rahul Gandhi was stopped from completing his speech during the President’s Address debate.  

- Eight Opposition MPs were suspended for the entire Budget Session.  

- No action was taken against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for controversial remarks about former Prime Ministers.  

- Birla made serious allegations that Congress MPs might attack Prime Minister Modi, leading him to ask the PM not to enter the House.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Speaker’s role has become “no longer impartial,” leaving them with no choice but to act.

Om Birla Recuses Himself from the Chair  

In a significant development, Speaker Om Birla has decided not to preside over Lok Sabha proceedings until the no-confidence motion is resolved. Sources say he is staying away on moral grounds, even though rules do not require it. The Lok Sabha Secretariat is now examining the notice, which carries more than the required 50 signatures.

The Process to Remove the Lok Sabha Speaker  

Under Article 94 of the Constitution, removing the Speaker requires a resolution passed by a simple majority of members present and voting. The notice needs at least 50 MPs and must meet procedural checks. Once accepted, the House sets a date for debate—possibly as early as March 9.

Importantly, the Speaker does not preside during the discussion. The Speaker can attend, speak in his defence, and even vote. If the motion passes with more than half the votes, Birla would be removed immediately, and the House would elect a new Speaker.

Why Move the Motion Without the Numbers?  

The Opposition, even with full INDIA bloc support, has around 235 MPs—short of the 272 needed for a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Political experts call this a “message politics” strategy. It highlights alleged suppression of Opposition voices and tests the unity of the INDIA alliance.

TMC has not yet fully backed the notice. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said they want written demands first and will decide in two-three days. With TMC’s 29 MPs, the numbers still fall short.

Is the Speaker’s Chair Under Real Threat?  

Most analysts say no. The motion is unlikely to pass, but it keeps the spotlight on Parliament’s functioning and Opposition grievances. Similar moves were made against former Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in 2024—also unsuccessful but politically loud.

As the Budget Session continues, all eyes are on whether the motion reaches debate and how it affects House proceedings. For now, the absence of Om Birla from the Speaker’s chair marks an extraordinary moment in Indian parliamentary history.