The second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament began with intense political exchanges as the Lok Sabha started discussions on an Opposition backed resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. The motion has been brought forward by several Opposition leaders who have accused the Speaker of acting in a partisan manner during proceedings in the House.
According to parliamentary procedures the motion requires discussion and a decision by members of the Lok Sabha. After the notice for the resolution was submitted, Om Birla recused himself from presiding over the House during the discussion. The Lok Sabha Secretariat stated that he would return to the Chair only after the matter has been decided through the parliamentary process.
Opposition leaders have alleged that the Speaker displayed partiality in handling certain parliamentary matters. They also raised objections to remarks he made about Congress members during earlier proceedings in the House. The resolution seeking his removal has therefore been placed before the Lok Sabha for debate.
The government has strongly rejected the allegations against the Speaker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Om Birla and said that the Speaker has always conducted parliamentary proceedings with fairness and respect for constitutional principles. According to the Prime Minister, Birla has worked to maintain cooperation among members of Parliament and uphold the dignity of the House.
Apart from the motion concerning the Speaker, several other issues are expected to dominate the discussions during the remaining part of the Budget Session. One of the major topics likely to be raised by the Opposition is the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its potential impact on global energy markets. The situation has led to concerns about crude oil supplies and rising fuel prices in international markets.
Opposition parties have also indicated that they will question the government about its diplomatic position regarding developments involving Iran the United States and Israel. The issue of international energy security and India import of crude oil is expected to feature in the debate.
Another issue that may trigger debate in Parliament is the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Reports have suggested that nearly sixty lakh voter names may have been removed during the revision process. Opposition parties including members of the Trinamool Congress are expected to raise concerns regarding the matter.
Meanwhile members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are likely to raise the issue of an alleged protocol related controversy during the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to West Bengal. The matter could lead to further exchanges between ruling and opposition parties in the House.
The government is also expected to introduce important legislative proposals during the remaining period of the Budget Session. Among the bills likely to be presented is the Electricity Amendment Bill along with other pending legislative business that could not be completed in the first half of the session.
Parliament sessions often become platforms for political debate on both national and international developments. With several major issues already emerging at the beginning of the second phase of the Budget Session, the coming days are expected to witness intense discussions and political exchanges between the government and Opposition parties.
