New Delhi, March 10: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday said the opposition was compelled to move a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in order to “save the Constitution” and protect the dignity of the House, while accusing him of acting in a partisan manner.
Initiating the debate on the resolution, Gogoi alleged that the functioning of Parliament had deteriorated to the point where the Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to speak properly during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in February.
Explaining the reasons behind the move, the Congress leader said Rahul Gandhi was interrupted repeatedly while trying to raise key issues in the House. Gogoi claimed the interruptions were premeditated and alleged that the Speaker did not ensure a fair opportunity for the Opposition to present its views.
He said Gandhi had sought to speak on several sensitive matters, including reported remarks by former Army chief M M Naravane in his unreleased book, an ongoing investigation in the US involving a businessman and a minister, and concerns over India’s trade-related concessions to the United States.
During the debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to Gogoi referring to issues beyond the resolution. Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened during the exchange, leading to repeated interruptions in the House.
Gogoi cited the Supreme Court’s observations in the Nabam Rebia case, saying the Speaker is expected to maintain elevated independence, objectivity, fairness and impartiality. He said the opposition had brought the resolution not out of personal hostility, but out of its responsibility to uphold democratic values and the credibility of Parliament.
The resolution was moved by Congress MPs K Suresh, Mallu Ravi and Mohammad Jawed, and was supported by more than 50 members, leading to its admission.
A Speaker can be removed from office by a simple majority of the House. The Constitution provides for such a move under Article 94(c), while Article 96 allows the Speaker to defend himself or herself during the proceedings.
The opposition’s resolution alleges that Birla acted in a “blatantly partisan” manner in conducting the business of the House and abused the constitutional office he holds.
In the past, three Lok Sabha Speakers — G V Mavlankar in 1954, Hukam Singh in 1966 and Balram Jakhar in 1987 — faced no-confidence motions, all of which were defeated.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on a PTI copy. Only minor edits have been made for clarity and presentation.)