The Lok Sabha will take up the debate and subsequent vote on the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla on March 9, the day Parliament reconvenes after the Budget Session recess, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Sunday.
Speaking from his Arunachal West constituency, Rijiju described the second part of the Budget Session, from March 9 to April 2, as “interesting,” noting that several important bills, including one critical legislation, will be tabled for debate and passage.
“In the Lok Sabha, we will discuss demands for grants in five ministries. In the Rajya Sabha, we will review the working of five other ministries. This session will be substantive,” he said. He added that the government would identify the specific ministries in the coming days.
Rijiju cautioned opposition parties against continuing disruptive protests. “If the opposition does not allow the House to function, we will go for the guillotine. It will be a loss for them,” he said, referring to a parliamentary procedure to expedite discussion.
The minister highlighted the political context of the session, noting that it coincides with upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. “We will bring important bills, including one very critical bill. We will pass all these bills,” Rijiju said, declining to reveal details ahead of time.
Also read: Oppn notice against Speaker returned, rectification allowed
Regarding the proposed legislation for simultaneous elections, he said the government had not yet taken a decision, pending the report of a parliamentary committee tasked with examining the matter.
Rijiju also pointed to signs of cracks in the opposition. “The Trinamool Congress did not sign the no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Most smaller parties are not in favour of stalling the House. They want to raise issues ahead of the polls,” he said.
The first part of the Budget Session, which began on January 28 with the President’s address and adjourned on February 12, saw repeated disruptions. Debates were stalled from February 2 following the disallowance of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from quoting excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief M M Naravane, touching on the India-China standoff in 2020.
On February 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to respond to the Motion of Thanks due to opposition protests. The motion was later passed without the customary speech, amid opposition sloganeering.
Earlier this week, Speaker Birla stepped aside after the opposition submitted the motion seeking his removal, alleging bias. Eight MPs have been suspended for the remainder of the session for unruly conduct, adding to the high-stakes political tension as Parliament prepares to resume.
Follow us
