Congress gets a blow from TMC on the motion against Om Birla, questions on unity in opposition

New Delhi. Congress, which is preparing to bring a resolution against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has received a big blow from Trinamool Congress (TMC). Congress MPs have signed the proposal, while TMC has distanced itself from it. This has raised questions on the unity of the opposition parties.

According to sources, till Monday evening the notice related to the proposal had been signed by about 102 MPs. Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK (DMK) and some other opposition parties have supported the initiative. It is being told that along with many Congress MPs, SP President Akhilesh Yadav has also signed the notice.

However, members of TMC, a major opposition ally, did not sign the proposal. Sources say that if Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is given an opportunity to speak, Congress may consider withdrawing the proposal.

Under Article 94 (C) of the Constitution, this proposal is likely to be submitted to the Lok Sabha Secretariat on Tuesday. The opposition alleges that the Leader of the Opposition is not being allowed to speak, no action was taken on the comments of BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and allegations were made against Congress women MPs without any evidence.

Many parties including TMC, Left parties, DMK, SP, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) participated in the meeting of opposition parties held on Monday. Despite this, consensus could not be reached on the proposal.

The opposition says that there is a deadlock in the House since February 2. During the discussion of the motion of thanks on the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi was addressed by former Army Chief M.M. The controversy escalated after Naravane was not allowed to raise the issue related to his unpublished memoir. Also, the suspension of eight opposition MPs in contempt of the House case further increased the tension.

Even on Tuesday, as soon as the Lok Sabha proceedings began, there was an uproar, due to which the proceedings of the House had to be adjourned till 12 noon. During the question hour, the question of SP MP Iqra Hussain could not be completed due to noise and the concerned minister could not answer.

The opposition is continuously alleging that it is not being given adequate opportunity to present its views in the House, while the ruling party is being given complete freedom. Amidst this ongoing conflict in Parliament, all parties are keeping an eye on the future strategy.