Opposition protests stall Lok Sabha, resolution against Speaker Om Birla deferred

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were disrupted on Monday, preventing the House from taking up a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Persistent protests by opposition members demanding an immediate debate on the West Asia situation forced repeated adjournments during the day.

When the House reconvened in the afternoon, opposition MPs continued raising slogans and demanding discussion on the regional crisis. Presiding officer Jagadambika Pal urged members to maintain order and allow the scheduled motion against the Speaker to be taken up, noting that it was already listed on the day’s agenda.

Pal said the adjournment notice on the West Asia issue could not be taken up at that stage. He also accused the opposition of stalling parliamentary proceedings and “holding the House hostage,” adding that disruptions result in the loss of nearly ₹9 crore per day of taxpayers’ money .

The resolution against Birla was earlier submitted by several opposition parties, which have alleged bias in the functioning of the Chair and claimed the Speaker favoured the treasury benches during key debates and disciplinary decisions. The ruling side has rejected these accusations, stating that the Speaker has acted strictly within parliamentary rules and conventions .

Under constitutional provisions, a Lok Sabha Speaker can be removed through a resolution passed by a majority of members , provided that at least 14 days’ notice is given before the motion is taken up. During the consideration of such a motion, the Speaker does not preside over the House , and another member of the Chair conducts the proceedings.

Amid continued protests, the House was adjourned for the day without taking up the resolution.