NEW DELHI (Feb 9, 2026) – In an extraordinary escalation of parliamentary tensions, a united Opposition led by the INDIA bloc has announced its decision to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This marks a historic flashpoint in the 2026 Budget Session, which has been paralyzed by protests over a controversial trade deal and defense-related disclosures.
The motion was finalized following a high-level strategy meeting this morning at the office of Mallikarjun Kharge (Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha), attended by Rahul Gandhi and senior floor leaders.
The “Three Pillars” of the Opposition’s Grievance
The Opposition has leveled three primary allegations against the Speaker’s conduct:
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Silencing the LoP: The primary trigger was the Speaker’s refusal to allow Rahul Gandhi (LoP in Lok Sabha) to quote from an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. The book allegedly contains sensitive details about the 2020 Galwan clash, which the Opposition claims the government is suppressing.
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The “Unforeseen Act” Allegation: Opposition leaders are outraged by Speaker Birla’s recent public claim that he advised PM Narendra Modi to skip the Lok Sabha last week. Birla cited “credible info” that Congress MPs planned an “unprecedented/unforeseen act” against the PM—a claim the Congress has slammed as a “baseless and partisan” smear against its members.
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Suspension of 8 MPs: The recent suspension of eight Opposition members for “planned disruptions” has been described by the Left and Congress as “high-handedness” aimed at stifling debate on the India-US “Trap Deal” (the interim trade framework).
Parliamentary Update: Adjournments & Recess
| House | Status (Feb 9, 12:40 PM) | Key Disruption Issue |
| Lok Sabha | Adjourned until 2 PM | Denial of permission for LoP to speak. |
| Rajya Sabha | Adjourned until 2 PM | Sloganeering against “selling assets” to foreign firms. |
“There is no space for the Opposition in this House. The Speaker is acting as a spokesperson for the government rather than an impartial judge,” stated KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary.
What Happens Next?
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Recess Looming: The first phase of the Budget Session is set to conclude on February 13.
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Procedural Hurdle: For the no-confidence motion to be admitted, it requires the support of at least 50 MPs. While the INDIA bloc has the numbers, the Speaker has 10 days to schedule the discussion once admitted.
