The INDIA bloc, comprising opposition parties led by the Congress, is seriously considering moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla amid an ongoing deadlock in the House during the Budget Session of Parliament.
The development, reported across multiple sources on February 9, 2026, stems from escalating tensions over perceived partisan conduct by the Speaker, repeated disruptions, and restrictions on opposition voices in the Lok Sabha.
### Key Allegations by the Opposition
Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, have accused Speaker Birla of bias in managing House proceedings. Specific grievances include:
- Denying Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi the opportunity to speak during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address.
- Suspending eight opposition MPs for the entire session without adequate justification.
- Failing to act against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for allegedly making unsubstantiated charges.
- Making comments about Congress women MPs planning protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which the opposition described as "unsubstantiated" and leading to advice for the PM to skip proceedings.
- Allowing preferential treatment to treasury bench members while stifling opposition voices.
These issues have contributed to repeated adjournments and a near-total paralysis of legislative business in the Lok Sabha, with significant time already lost to disruptions.
### INDIA Bloc's Response and Planning
The decision to explore a no-confidence motion was reportedly discussed in a meeting of opposition floor leaders at the Parliament office of Congress President and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi was also present during related deliberations.
The motion would be moved under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, requiring a written notice of at least 14 days to the Secretary-General. Sources indicate it could be tabled in the second half of the ongoing Budget Session, with signatures being collected from INDIA bloc members.
While some reports suggest broad support within the bloc—including backing from parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC)—others note potential differences in approach among allies like the Samajwadi Party (SP). Congress leaders have described the move as a last resort, with one senior figure stating the opposition has been "left with no other option" due to the alleged suppression of debate.
### Procedural and Political Context
Removing the Speaker requires a majority in the Lok Sabha. With the NDA holding around 300 seats compared to the INDIA bloc's approximately 229, the motion is widely viewed as symbolic rather than likely to succeed. It serves as a strong protest against what the opposition calls a "one-sided Parliament" and institutional bias.
The deadlock has already forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliver his response to the Motion of Thanks in the Rajya Sabha instead of the Lok Sabha. Efforts to resolve the impasse, including meetings between opposition leaders and the Speaker, have so far failed to break the logjam.
This rare step— no-confidence motions against Speakers are uncommon—highlights the deepening rift between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA alliance in the 18th Lok Sabha. As the Budget Session continues, all eyes are on whether the opposition formalizes the notice and how the government responds to the escalating confrontation.
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