BJP Issues Whip for March 9–10
Opposition also directs MPs to attend as motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla may come up
- BJP issues whip to all Lok Sabha MPs for March 9 and 10
- Congress issues three-line whip for March 9–11
- Motion seeking removal of Speaker Om Birla likely to be discussed
- Second phase of Budget Session begins March 9
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th March: The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, directing them to remain present in the House on March 9 and 10 as crucial proceedings are expected during the upcoming phase of the Budget Session.
In its directive, the party said several “very important legislative business” items are likely to be taken up during the two days.
“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 party said.
The move comes amid indications that a notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla could be taken up for discussion once Parliament reconvenes.
Meanwhile, the Congress has also issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, asking them to remain present in the House from March 9 to March 11.
The second phase of Parliament’s Budget Session is scheduled to begin on March 9 and will continue until April 2.
Political parties often issue whips ahead of key debates or voting to ensure the presence of their MPs during important legislative business.
The developments follow a no-confidence notice submitted by the opposition last month seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla.
The notice, reportedly signed by 118 MPs, accuses the Speaker of acting in a partisan manner while presiding over House proceedings.
Under parliamentary rules, Birla is unlikely to chair the Lok Sabha when the motion is debated. He had stopped presiding over proceedings on the day the notice was submitted in February and is expected to sit among the members when the House reconvenes.
According to parliamentary procedure, the Speaker will also be given an opportunity to defend himself during the debate on the motion.
The first phase of the Budget Session witnessed repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha. The Congress had accused the Speaker of preventing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi from speaking in the House.
Tensions escalated further after the suspension of eight Congress MPs, intensifying the confrontation between the government and the opposition.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh defended the move to bring the motion, saying the opposition was exercising its democratic right.
“These are democratic instruments of parliamentary democracy. The opposition has every right. We will have a debate, and let’s see what happens after that,” he said.
He also claimed the opposition had cited several instances which it believes demonstrate partisan conduct by the Speaker, while accusing the government of making unfounded allegations against opposition members.
