New Delhi, Feb 11 (UNI) Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to address the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, parliamentary sources said, as the House remains tense amid repeated disruptions during the ongoing Budget Session.
The intervention comes a day after opposition parties submitted notice for a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, signed by at least 118 MPs and submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. Sources said the Speaker has decided not to chair proceedings until the notice is formally considered.
"The denial of speaking opportunities to opposition leaders has been one of the key triggers for disruptions," a senior Congress leader said, adding that the resolution seeks "to protect the rights of the opposition and the dignity of Parliament."
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sharply criticised the India-US trade deal, calling it a "capitulation" and an "asymmetrical set of commitments." He said several independent analysts have described the agreement as a "sell-out" and a "humiliating cave-in," alleging that the United States extracted more concessions than it offered.
The Lok Sabha is likely to formally take up discussion on the opposition's motion to remove Speaker Birla on March 9, the first day of the second part of the Budget Session, sources said. Under Article 96(1) of the Constitution, a Speaker cannot preside over any sitting when a resolution for their removal is under consideration, even if present in the House.
The move is being backed by the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK, while some INDIA alliance partners, including the Trinamool Congress, are still weighing support.
Parliamentary proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted over the past week, with both sides accusing each other of stalling legislative business or curtailing debate. Under constitutional provisions, a minimum notice period of 14 days is required before the motion can be formally debated and voted on.
Birla has faced criticism from opposition leaders for not allowing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to cite excerpts from former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished book during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
The notice for the no-confidence motion cited several instances of alleged procedural unfairness, including the denial of speaking opportunities to Rahul Gandhi and the suspension of eight MPs.
UNI AAB