BJP Issues Three-Line Whip Ahead of Possible Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday issued a three-line whip to its Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, directing them to remain present in the House during the upcoming days of the Budget Session of the Indian Parliament.
According to the directive, MPs must attend the proceedings on March 9 and March 10, when the second phase of the session resumes after recess. The party said “very important legislative business” is scheduled for discussion and passage during those days.
The whip, dated March 6, was signed by BJP’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha Sanjay Jaiswal, urging all members to be present and support the government’s position in the House.
The instruction comes amid reports that the Lok Sabha may soon discuss a resolution moved by the Opposition seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla.
Opposition parties have accused Birla of alleged bias and partisan conduct during recent parliamentary proceedings. The controversy intensified during heated exchanges over the unpublished memoirs of former Army chief M. M. Naravane.
More than 100 Opposition MPs had earlier submitted a notice seeking action against the Speaker during the first phase of the Budget Session.
If the motion is taken up, Birla is expected to be present in the House but may not preside over the proceedings, as he had previously indicated that he would recuse himself when the matter is discussed.
Opposition’s Allegations
Opposition leaders, including members of the Indian National Congress, have accused the Speaker of favouring the ruling party and restricting the Opposition’s ability to raise key issues.
Among their complaints is the allegation that Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, was denied the opportunity to respond during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. Opposition MPs have also claimed they were prevented from raising concerns about Chinese troop movements during the Galwan Valley clash.
Following protests in Parliament, several Opposition MPs were reportedly suspended, further escalating tensions between the government and Opposition benches.
Political Stakes
The Congress party is also believed to have issued a similar whip to its MPs, directing them to remain present in the Lok Sabha from March 9 to March 11.
With both sides mobilising their lawmakers, the resumption of the Budget Session is expected to witness intense political confrontation inside Parliament.
As the second phase of the Budget Session begins, the possibility of a motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker sets the stage for a high-stakes parliamentary showdown. The outcome could have significant political implications, especially as both the ruling alliance and the Opposition prepare for a heated debate in the coming days.
Our Final Thoughts
The latest developments underline growing tensions within Parliament and reflect the increasingly confrontational tone between the government and the Opposition. Whether the motion against the Speaker moves forward or not, the coming days of the Budget Session are likely to shape the political narrative ahead of key legislative decisions.