Opposition raises Deputy Speaker issue as House begins discussion on resolution
March 10, 2026: A heated debate unfolded in the Lok Sabha as opposition leaders raised concerns about the absence of a Deputy Speaker during discussions on the motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla. Lawmakers argued that the lack of a Deputy Speaker undermines parliamentary conventions and called for the immediate election of a presiding officer to oversee proceedings during the debate.
Gaurav Gogoi of the Indian National Congress clarified that the resolution was intended to uphold the dignity of Parliament and was not directed at Birla personally. He also questioned who had the authority to decide who should chair the House while deliberating on a motion seeking the Speaker’s removal, arguing that constitutional provisions indicate the House itself should determine the presiding officer.
Presiding over the session, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal announced that ten hours had been allotted for the debate and urged members to remain focused on the resolution. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed the opposition’s allegations as politically motivated, maintaining that the functioning of Parliament had not been affected. The issue has once again highlighted the long-standing debate over the role of the Deputy Speaker, a post traditionally held by a member of the opposition.