Lok Sabha may debate motion to remove Speaker next week, BJP issues whip

Last month, the opposition submitted a no-confidence notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner. As Parliament reconvenes on Monday, the notice is expected to be taken up for debate. A stormy start is on the cards.

The BJP has issued a whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs asking them to remain present in Parliament during proceedings on March 9 and 10 amid indications that a notice seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla could come up for discussion. The directive mentioned that some very "important legislative business" would be taken up.

"All members of the BJP in Lok Sabha are therefore requested to be positively present in the House on both the days and support the government's stand," the BJP directive said.

Such whips are routinely issued by parties to ensure that all their members are present in Parliament during key discussions and the passage of bills.

Last month, the opposition submitted a no-confidence notice seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, accusing him of acting in a partisan manner. It was signed by 118 MPs. The notice is likely to be taken up for discussion as Parliament meets for the second phase of the Budget session on March 9.

Birla is unlikely to chair the Lok Sabha proceedings until the motion is discussed and decided. In fact, the Kota MP had stopped chairing the proceedings the day the notice was submitted in February.

On Monday, in a rare moment, he will be seated among the MPs in the House, PTI reported. As per the House rules, Birla will have the opportunity to defend himself when the notice is discussed.