New Delhi – On February 10, 2026, the opposition INDIA bloc took a big step in Parliament. They submitted a notice for a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Congress leaders handed the notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General at 1:14 pm. It carries signatures from around 119 MPs from parties like Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party. This move comes amid ongoing fights in the Budget Session, with the opposition accusing the Speaker of being unfair.
The notice says Speaker Birla has acted in a “blatantly partisan manner”. It lists cases where he stopped opposition leaders from speaking, suspended MPs one-sidedly, and made false claims against Congress members. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, did not sign the notice. Congress sources say it is not proper for the LoP to sign such a petition in a democracy.
This is the first such serious attempt against a Speaker since 1987. But with the BJP-led NDA holding a clear majority, the motion is unlikely to pass. Still, it shows how deep the rift has become in the House.
Background: What Led to This Notice?
The current Budget Session has seen many disruptions. The opposition wants to discuss issues like Adani, China border, and farmer problems. But they say the Speaker often cuts their time short or does not let them speak at all.
A key flashpoint came on February 2, when Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to finish his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address. Opposition leaders say this happens almost every time to the Leader of Opposition.
On February 3, eight opposition MPs were suspended for the entire Budget Session. The opposition calls this unfair punishment for raising voices.
Another point in the notice: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made strong remarks against former Prime Ministers without any warning from the Chair. The opposition asked for action, but none came.
The biggest trigger was the events of February 4 and the Speaker’s own words on February 5.
The February 4 Incident: Protests Near PM’s Seat
On February 4, PM Narendra Modi was to reply to the debate on the President’s Address. But the House saw chaos. Opposition women MPs held banners and moved near the PM’s seat in protest.
Speaker Birla later said he had “credible information” that some Congress MPs might create an “unforeseen act” near the PM’s seat. He asked PM Modi not to come to the House that day to avoid any unpleasant scene. The House was adjourned.
BJP leaders called it a “pre-planned threat” to the Prime Minister. They shared videos showing opposition MPs near the treasury benches.
Opposition leaders, especially Congress women MPs, strongly denied this. They wrote a letter to the Speaker saying the PM stayed away out of “fear”, not because of any threat. They said the Speaker’s remarks on February 5 were “false and defamatory” against them.
BJP women MPs also wrote to the Speaker. They demanded strict action against the opposition MPs for “laying siege” to the PM’s seat and entering the treasury benches.
Full Text of Key Parts from Opposition Notice
The notice reads:
“We, the undersigned, hereby give notice of a resolution for the removal of Shri Om Birla from the office of Speaker Lok Sabha… because of the blatantly partisan manner in which he has been conducting the business of the Lok Sabha.”
It lists four main points:
- Rahul Gandhi not allowed to complete his speech on February 2.
- Arbitrary suspension of eight opposition MPs on February 3.
- No action against BJP MP for attacks on former PMs.
- Speaker’s remarks on February 5 making “blatantly false allegations” against Congress MPs.
The notice calls these actions an “abuse of this constitutional office”.
What Does the Constitution Say About Removing the Speaker?
Article 94(c) of the Constitution allows removal of the Speaker by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.
The process (Rules 200-203):
- Notice in writing to Secretary-General (at least 14 days’ notice needed).
- Motion for leave to move the resolution is listed after 14 days.
- At least 50 MPs must rise in support for leave to be granted.
- If granted, discussion happens within 10 days, strictly on the charges.
- Speaker can speak and vote in the debate.
- Final resolution needs simple majority of total membership (not just those present).
No Speaker has ever been removed this way in India’s history. The opposition knows it does not have the numbers, but it wants to put its point on record.
Reactions from Opposition
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said after submitting the notice: “The concern has been that the Leader of Opposition has not been allowed to speak on numerous occasions. Many opposition parties share this concern.”
Senior Congress leaders like KC Venugopal have accused the Speaker of bias for months.
Congress women MPs in their letter said: “It is extremely unfortunate that you, as the Hon’ble Speaker, have been forced by the ruling party to make false, baseless, and defamatory allegations against women Members of Parliament belonging to the Opposition.”
DMK and Samajwadi Party MPs also signed. TMC did not sign yet. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said they wanted the Speaker to first address the issues raised.
Government and BJP Response
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said: “Those who have been impeached of their consciousness are the ones who want to impeach all the constitutional posts of India.” He added that it is time to “impeach” Rahul Gandhi and Congress from politics.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju shared videos of the February 4 incident and blamed the opposition for the chaos.
Speaker Om Birla has directed the Secretary-General to examine the notice. On moral grounds, he has decided not to occupy the Chair until the matter is resolved.
What Happens Next?
The notice will be checked as per rules. A motion for leave can come only after 14 days. Even if admitted, it needs 50 MPs to rise in support and then a majority vote – something the opposition cannot achieve without support from other parties.
The Budget Session continues with frequent adjournments. Both sides are blaming each other for not letting the House function.
Why This Matters
The Speaker is supposed to be neutral. He protects the rights of every MP, especially the opposition. When trust breaks down like this, it hurts Parliament’s dignity. This episode shows the deep divide between the ruling side and the opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha.
FAQs
Q1: How many signatures does the notice have?
A: Around 119 MPs signed it (sources say 118-120). Parties include Congress, DMK, SP. TMC did not sign.
Q2: Why did Rahul Gandhi not sign?
A: Congress sources say it is not proper for the Leader of Opposition to personally sign a petition seeking removal of the Speaker.
Q3: Can the Speaker really be removed?
A: Yes, under Article 94(c), but it needs majority support of total Lok Sabha membership. No Speaker has been removed this way till date.
Q4: What was the February 4 incident really about?
A: Opposition MPs protested near PM’s seat. Speaker said he had information of possible “unforeseen act” and asked PM not to come. Opposition says it was peaceful protest and the Speaker’s claim was false.
Q5: Will the motion pass?
A: Unlikely. NDA has majority. But it puts the opposition’s grievances on record.
Q6: Has this happened before?
A: There were attempts in the past (like in 1987), but none succeeded.