Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday stated that he will not preside over the House until the no-confidence motion brought against him by opposition Members of Parliament is heard and decided. He said he would not sit on the Speaker’s chair until the motion is taken up for hearing and its disposal is completed.
Birla clarified that although there is no provision in the Constitution or the Rules requiring the Speaker to step aside until a no-confidence motion is passed, he has chosen to adopt this course as a matter of personal policy. He said it would not be appropriate for him to occupy the chair until the process relating to the motion is completed.
According to sources, the opposition has submitted a notice seeking his removal, bearing the signatures of 118 Members of Parliament. As per the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the motion may be taken up for discussion on 9 March, the first day of the second phase of the Budget Session 2026.
On that day, the House is expected to debate the motion and decide whether Om Birla will continue in the office of Speaker. Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh has been directed to examine the opposition’s notice and take appropriate action.
In the no-confidence motion, opposition Members of Parliament have alleged that Om Birla repeatedly did not allow them to raise issues related to public interest. The opposition stated that this compelled them to move the motion against the Speaker.
The opposition has maintained that Members of Parliament have the right in a democratic process to raise issues concerning their constituencies and the public in the House. It said that if this right is repeatedly obstructed, it is contrary to the principles of parliamentary democracy.
Om Birla reiterated that he will not sit on the Speaker’s chair until the motion is heard and decided. He said the decision has been taken to respect the process relating to the no-confidence motion. The Lok Sabha Secretary-General will examine the notice, after which the motion will be formally introduced in the House and discussion will commence.
The second phase of the Budget Session is regarded as significant for political proceedings. Differences between the opposition and the government are often reflected during the Budget Session. The no-confidence motion has intensified the political atmosphere during this phase.
Experts have stated that clarity on Om Birla’s support and whether his tenure will continue will emerge only after the discussion scheduled for 9 March.
