Parliament Budget Session Live: No-confidence motion against Om Birla to take control; The US-Iranian war on paper

Parliament Budget Session Live: The Opposition also demanded a broader discussion on India’s foreign policy, India-US trade deal, and other domestic issues.

The second half of the session will last until April 2, and is expected to focus on crucial legislative work, including the passage of the 2026 Finance Bill and discussions on grant applications for various ministries.

The opposition moves a no-confidence motion against Umm Birla

One of the central developments in the Lok Sabha will be the opposition-backed resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Several opposition leaders filed the notice alleging that Birla acted in a “blatantly partisan” manner while conducting proceedings in the House.

About 118 opposition MPs reportedly signed the motion, accusing the Speaker of favoring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and allegedly preventing opposition leader Rahul Gandhi from speaking during the previous proceedings.

The decision will not be taken unless the House of Representatives agrees to transfer it. However, given the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s majority in the Lok Sabha, it is widely expected that the proposal will be defeated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already expressed his support for Birla, noting that the Speaker remained committed to the Constitution and parliamentary democracy while treating all members fairly.

The debate is likely to take place amid the absence of a Deputy Speaker of Parliament

Procedural handling of the proposal could be a challenge as the Lok Sabha currently does not have a deputy speaker. Under normal parliamentary rules, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament presides over the proceedings while a motion is moved against the Speaker.

In the absence of the Deputy Speaker, Birla may appoint a member of the Speakers’ Committee to chair the discussion, with senior BJP MP Jagdambika Pal among the possible options, HT reported earlier.

Historically, only three Lok Sabha speakers – GV Mavlankar in 1954, Hukam Singh in 1966, and Balram Jakhar in 1987 – have ever faced no-confidence motions, all of which were ultimately defeated.

Jaishankar briefs Lok Sabha on West Asia crisis

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to make a statement in Lok Sabha on the “situation in West Asia”.

The statement comes amid escalating tensions following the joint military strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 that reportedly resulted in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran launched counterstrikes targeting US military bases in several West Asian countries and Israeli assets throughout the region.

Opposition leaders called for a comprehensive discussion on this issue. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the government’s decision to only allow a statement, saying the opposition should also be allowed to ask questions about India’s diplomatic stance, according to ANI.

According to PTI, the opposition is also critical of the government’s approach towards Iran and the United States, including the US granting “permission” to India to continue purchasing Russian oil.

Foreign policy and trade issues are expected to emerge

Beyond the conflict in West Asia, opposition parties are also likely to raise concerns about the interim trade deal between India and the United States. HT had earlier reported that Rahul Gandhi had termed the agreement “anti-farmer” and accused the government of compromising on sovereign interests.

The opposition also pointed to the recent 30-day exemption granted by the US to “allow” Indian refiners to buy Russian oil, suggesting that Indian energy policy may be under pressure from Washington.

Other hotspots of political tension

Many additional political differences are expected to emerge during the session. The special intensified review (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal, which allegedly led to the deletion of nearly 60,000 names, could become a major flashpoint in Parliament.

Trinamool Congress MPs are likely to raise the issue in the House. Meanwhile, the BJP may hit back by highlighting what it called a “violation of protocol” involving President Draupadi Murmu during her recent visit to West Bengal.

Prices may also be hiked by the opposition after the price of domestic LPG cylinders was increased $60 earlier this month.