In a recent development, opposition parties have approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to advance the schedule for the no-confidence motion. The request is aimed at providing them with an opportunity to actively participate in the discussion and express their opinions on how the current situation should be addressed. The no-confidence motion is currently scheduled for August 8 to 10, during the last three days of the session.
The unnamed source revealed that the opposition believes the government is utilizing this period to push through various bills, and they wish to engage in the debate on the legislative agenda if the no-confidence discussion is conducted earlier.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha are contemplating the option of moving a “censure” motion or a no-confidence motion to express their dissatisfaction. However, it’s essential to note that there is no specific provision for a censure motion in either House of Parliament. While MPs can mention such words to convey their intent, there is no formal mechanism for a censure motion against any individual in Parliament.
Former Lok Sabha secretary general P Sreedharan clarified the situation, citing an example from the past when both Houses passed a motion to deplore war in the Middle East during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure. This exemplifies how the choice of words in a motion can carry significance.
During a recent meeting of the INDIA alliance parties to discuss floor strategy, a senior member of the Congress from the Rajya Sabha started reading the draft of the proposed motion. However, the reading was interrupted by a Rajya Sabha floor leader of a non-Congress party who strongly disagreed with any such move.
Opposition leaders have indicated that a final decision on whether to pursue a censure or no-confidence motion may be taken in the coming days. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the parliamentary proceedings and debates in the days ahead.