The INDIA bloc, the opposition alliance, has stepped up its attack on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, whom they want removed on account of his partisan operation and also on account of allegedly favoring House proceedings. The pressure is being applied over the constant upheaval in Parliament, the blast of those who are against it, that the Speaker is gagging their mouths, throwing members out of Parliament without reason, and that important bills are being pushed through without much discussion. The block claims that the Speaker, who is supposed to ensure neutrality, has not been observing the parliamentary conventions. The shift is an indicator of growing frictions between the government and the opposition, with frequent adjournments and harsh interchanges taking place during the Budget Session.
Key Reasons Behind the INDIA Bloc’s Demand for Removal
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There have been accusations of the partisanship of the Speaker, who is claimed to be providing favor to the ruling NDA government in the debates and procedural rulings.
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Arguments that the opposition MPs were suspended at a disproportionate rate compared to the membersof the treasury benches.
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Allegations about the fact that important bills were adopted without thorough discussion and a division of the vote.
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Fears of having little time in which the opposition leaders can raise important issues affecting the country.
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Oppose recurrent adjournments, which are said to inhibit organized discussion of delicate issues.
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Alleged refusal to allow notices where under adjournment motion or under Rule 267 equivalents, urgent discussions are to be held.
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uproar against the disposition of privilege motions and disqualification petitions in cases involving members of the opposition.
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It has been criticized that fairness and the traditions of parliamentary neutrality have been undermined.
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Claim that the Speaker failed to intervene sufficiently when there were heated exchanges that were directed at opposition MPs.
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Restoration of democratic norms and equal opportunity to all parties in the Houseis demanded.
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The bigger picture in the bloc strategy to politically keep the government at bay before the ensuing elections.
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Highlighting of the provisions of the constitution that give the right to request the removal of the Speaker with reasonable notice and a majority vote
PYQs on Lok Sabha and Speaker
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE (Prelims) | 2014 | Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill? | (A) President (B) Prime Minister (C) Speaker of Lok Sabha (D) Chief Justice of India | (C) Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| UPSC CSE (Prelims) | 2017 | Which of the following statements is correct? 1. Speaker is elected by Lok Sabha members. 2. Speaker continues after dissolution until new Speaker is elected. | (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2 | (C) Both 1 and 2 |
| UPSC CSE (Prelims) | 2013 | The Speaker of the Lok Sabha addresses his resignation to whom? | (A) President (B) Prime Minister (C) Deputy Speaker (D) Chief Justice of India | (C) Deputy Speaker |
| SSC CGL | 2019 | Who presides over the joint sitting of Parliament? | (A) President (B) Vice-President (C) Speaker of Lok Sabha (D) Deputy Speaker | (C) Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| SSC CHSL | 2020 | The Speaker of Lok Sabha is elected by: | (A) President (B) Members of Lok Sabha (C) Members of Parliament (D) Chief Justice | (B) Members of Lok Sabha |
| RRB NTPC | 2021 | What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha as per Constitution? | (A) 545 (B) 550 (C) 552 (D) 560 | (C) 552 |
| RRB Group D | 2022 | Minimum age to become a member of Lok Sabha is: | (A) 21 years (B) 25 years (C) 30 years (D) 35 years | (B) 25 years |
| CDS | 2016 | The Speaker of Lok Sabha exercises casting vote in which situation? | (A) Every vote (B) First vote (C) In case of tie (D) During Money Bill only | (C) In case of tie |
| UPPSC | 2021 | Removal of Speaker requires: | (A) Simple majority (B) Special majority (C) Effective majority (D) Absolute majority | (C) Effective majority |
| SSC CPO | 2018 | Salary of the Speaker is charged on: | (A) Public Account of India (B) Consolidated Fund of India (C) Contingency Fund (D) Finance Commission Fund | (B) Consolidated Fund of India |
Conclusion
The INDIA bloc parties' demand to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is an important milestone in Indian parliamentary politics. It is an indication of growing distrust between the government and the opposition on how the House operates. Although the opposition cries foul of partisanship and a lack of democracy, the government argues that the proceedings have been conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures. The scandal is an important reason why the Speaker acts as a fair judge of the parliamentary dignity and debate. The way this issue is handled in the end will determine the attitude towards institutional impartiality and the well-being of the Indian parliamentary democracy.
