Lok Sabha Speaker Accepts Notice for No-Confidence Motion Against PM Modi's Government

As per the parliamentary rules, any no-confidence notice submitted before 10 am must be taken up for discussion on the same day. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that he would consult with all parties and follow the necessary procedures to schedule the discussion.

The move for a no-confidence motion comes in the wake of acrimony and disruptions in Parliament, with the Opposition demanding that PM Modi personally address the issues related to Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had attempted to break the deadlock by proposing a discussion on the situation in the northeastern state but had not gained acceptance from the Opposition.

Leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Trinamool Congress’s Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien, discussed the proposal to bring a no-confidence motion on Tuesday. The parliamentary strategy of the INDIA parties is being planned, with tactics evolving each day. However, despite the motion being submitted, the government seems to have adequate support to withstand any threat posed by the no-confidence motion, with at least 332 lawmakers in Lok Sabha backing the government.

In the past, a similar motion was brought against the Modi government on July 20, 2018, which was defeated. The Congress, which issued a three-line whip to its lawmakers, is required to have the support of at least 50 lawmakers for the motion as per Lok Sabha rules.

According to Rule 198 (1) of the Lok Sabha, a member must seek leave from the Speaker to make the motion, and the notice must be submitted to the Lok Sabha secretary general by 10 am on the same day. If at least fifty members express their approval, the Speaker grants leave for the motion to be discussed.

The current session of Parliament has been marred by disruptions as the Opposition continued to press for PM Modi's response on the Manipur violence. The no-confidence motion, if debated, will be a crucial event in the ongoing session.

Opposition leaders confirmed that discussions on bringing the no-confidence motion began on Monday morning between Congress and Trinamool Congress leaders. Former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified from the Lok Sabha earlier this year, was also consulted before the decision was taken during the floor strategy meeting of the Opposition on Tuesday.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Lok Sabha as the potential debate on the no-confidence motion could have significant implications for the political landscape in the country.