Kamal Ghorui
Trinamool Congress MPs are likely to support the no-confidence motion and vote against the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.According to news agency ANI, the decision comes as per the direction of the party’s chairperson Mamata Banerjee.Earlier, TMC – one of the key constituents of the INDIA bloc – decided not to back the resolution, leading to confidence among the treasury benches members that Birla could bag support from outside the bloc as well.The stage is set for a fresh showdown between BJP-led NDA and the opposition as Lok Sabha will take up the resolution for the removal of Speaker Om Birla on March 9, as Parliament reconvenes for Budget session’s second part from Monday.The Congress MPs accused Birla of being partisan for “openly espousing the version of the ruling party on all controversial matters”, which they said constitutes a danger to the proper functioning of the Lok Sabha.“That in his partisan attitude he disregards the rights of Members of the House and makes pronouncements and gives rulings calculated to affect and undermine such rights; that he openly espouses the version of the ruling party on all controversial matters, that all these acts constitute a serious danger to the proper functioning of this House and ventilating effectively the felt concerns and grievances of the people, and therefore resolves that he be removed from his Office,” the list of business said.Meanwhile, BJP and Congress issued whips to their respective LS members, asking them to ensure their presence in the House as they seek to marshal maximum strength as a division of votes is expected.While BJP’s whip has called for a mandatory attendance of its MPs on the first two days, Congress’s directive stands for the first three days.Rules allow Birla to be present in the House, while not occupying the Chair, and defend himself.
