The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Today, February 10, 2026, following the submission of a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla by Opposition parties led by the Congress.
Opposition Challenges Speaker
The motion was submitted by Congress Chief Whip Kodikunnil Suresh and party Whip Mohammed Jawed Ahmed to the Secretary-General, Utpal Kumar Singh. According to Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a 14-day notice period is required before a resolution for the removal of the Speaker can be considered.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that the motion stems from concerns that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) has been repeatedly prevented from speaking. The notice bears 119 signatures from members of parties including the DMK and Samajwadi Party, but does not include signatures from the Trinamool Congress or Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, as one of the charges relates to him being denied speaking opportunities.
Accusations of Partisanship
The Congress has accused Speaker Birla of partisan behavior, specifically citing the denial of speaking time to Rahul Gandhi during debates on the Motions of Thanks to the President’s address. The Opposition also points to the recent suspension of eight MPs – seven of whom are from the Congress – for what the Speaker deemed unruly behavior. The notice alleges that a BJP member was permitted to produce personal attacks on former Prime Ministers without consequence.
The Opposition’s notice also objects to the Speaker’s statement that he possessed “concrete information” suggesting Congress members might approach Prime Minister Modi’s seat with “some unexpected act,” characterizing this as an abuse of the Speaker’s constitutional office. Eight women Congress MPs also wrote to the Speaker on February 9, alleging they were being targeted for opposing the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a no-confidence motion?
According to Article 94(c) of the Constitution, a Lok Sabha member may give a written notice of intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker to the Secretary-General, with at least 14 days’ notice.
How many signatures were on the no-confidence motion?
The notice bears 119 signatures, including members from the DMK and Samajwadi Party, but does not include signatures from the Trinamool Congress or Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Why didn’t Rahul Gandhi sign the motion?
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not sign the notice as one of the charges pertains to him not being allowed to speak.
Given the current impasse, will the Lok Sabha be able to resume debate on the Union Budget remains to be seen.