NEW DELHI: This time, the second phase of the Budget Session is going to be historic. The discussion on the opposition’s no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla will be significant and confrontational for both the government and the opposition. But Birla is not in any danger as the no-confidence motion will not be passed. But everyone will be watching its side effects. It is certain that the conflict between the government and the opposition will increase further. Because in this session itself a decision will also be taken on the special motion given against the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. There is doubt whether this motion will be accepted. If it is accepted and passed in the House, then Rahul’s membership can be lost. Like in previous sessions, Congress has been focusing on attacking the Prime Minister in this session too, and has been disrupting proceedings. Amid the melee, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi got embroiled in controversy when he proposed moving a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, but later withdrew it. MP Nishikant Dubey, taking the lead on behalf of the government, unleashed a fierce attack on the Gandhi family. Later, he filed a notice for a special motion levelling several serious allegations against Rahul Gandhi, which will be decided in this session. Dubey has also demanded the termination of Rahul Gandhi’s membership and a lifetime ban on contesting elections.
However, before a decision on this motion, the no-confidence motion against Speaker Birla will be discussed on Monday. Both the BJP and Congress have issued whips to their MPs, asking them to remain in the House. The Deputy Speaker will preside over the proceedings. If a vote is held, Birla may participate. Previously, no-confidence motions have been brought against G.V. Mavalankar, Hukam Singh, and Balram Jakhar, which were rejected. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Om Birla came in for high praise from the Prime Minister. On the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Kota airport, which is in Birla’s constituency, the Prime Minister, who joined the event virtually, said that Birla was an excellent MP and a great Speaker, who was completely dedicated to the Constitution and devoted to the parliamentary system. The Prime Minister also said, “Sometimes, even if arrogant and unruly students from some big families come to the House, he handles everyone like the head of the institution. He does not insult anyone and patiently bears everyone’s harsh words.”
After Om Birla wins the confidence motion, as is expected, the government is likely to unravel its strategy to corner the Congress. Therefore, the shadow of uproar looms large on the Budget Session.
