INDIA bloc cites alleged bias, Rahul Gandhi row intensifies Parliament standoff
February 10, 2026: Parties in the INDIA bloc are preparing to move a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, a step that could further escalate the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the government. The Trinamool Congress has extended support to the move, and Opposition leaders say efforts are underway to gather the required signatures to submit the notice at the earliest. The trigger has been a series of flashpoints, including Rahul Gandhi being prevented from referring to the unpublished memoir of former Army chief General M M Naravane (Retd) and the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address being adopted without Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the House.
Sources say the proposed motion will cite Speaker Birla’s recent conduct and remarks, including his claim of “credible information” about an alleged plan by some Congress MPs to approach the Prime Minister’s seat, following which Modi was advised not to attend the House on a scheduled day. Opposition leaders allege selective application of rules, claiming that while the Leader of the Opposition was repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey was allowed to make objectionable remarks. They have also objected to what they call unsubstantiated references to women MPs allegedly planning an attack, calling such claims serious and damaging.
Congress leaders have termed the parliamentary proceedings “deeply unfortunate,” arguing that the role of the Leader of the Opposition has been systematically undermined. Rahul Gandhi has written to the Speaker, stating that despite complying with directions to authenticate sources, he was still denied the floor, violating parliamentary convention. Speaker Birla, however, has defended his position, saying Parliament is meant for debate, not disruption, and noting that over 19 hours have been lost due to protests. While such a motion has been contemplated before, its revival now underscores the deepening deadlock in Parliament.