Opposition moves no-confidence motion against LS Speaker Om Birla: Do they have the numbers? Here's the math

The Opposition MPs have accused Om Birla of partisan conduct and curbing their voice in the House.

• Opposition moves no-confidence motion to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
• Motion likely to be discussed on March 9 during Budget Session's second part
• Opposition lacks majority; move seen as symbolic amid political tensions

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Stepping up its attack against the BJP-led central government, the Opposition has moved a no-confidence motion seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The Opposition MPs have accused Birla of partisan conduct and curbing their voice in the House. The issue began after Birla stopped Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from quoting from an article which referenced an unpublished memoir of former Army chief General MM Naravane.

According to ANI, the discussion on the motion to remove the Speaker is likely to take place on March 9, the first day of the second part of the Budget Session.

While the move escalates political tensions, the bigger question remains: does the Opposition have the numbers to succeed?

How can the Speaker be removed?

Article 94(c) of the Constitution provides for the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

To remove the Speaker, a resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Before such a motion can be taken up, a written notice of at least 14 days is mandatory. Any MP can submit a notice containing the text of the resolution to the Lok Sabha Secretary General.

For the motion to be admitted, it must have the support of at least 50 MPs. Once admitted, it is listed for consideration and is presided over by the Deputy Speaker.

When the motion is taken up, it is first put to a voice vote. If a division is demanded, it is decided through a formal vote.

Members moving the resolution must ensure that the charges are specific, factual, and free from defamatory or vague allegations.

Article 96 of the Constitution stipulates that the Speaker (or Deputy Speaker) shall not preside over a sitting of the House while a resolution for their removal is under consideration. However, the Speaker has the constitutional right to participate in the proceedings and defend himself during the debate.

Current strength of House

The Lok Sabha has a sanctioned strength of 543 members. An effective majority would require at least 272 votes.

Even if there are minor vacancies, the halfway mark would not significantly shift.

Where do numbers stand?

The NDA currently has around 293 members in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition bloc, by contrast, stands at roughly 238 members.

Even if the entire Opposition votes together, it will still fall short of the majority mark required to remove the Speaker.

Given the numbers, the move is widely seen as symbolic rather than strategic. Such motions have historically been used to question the moral authority of the presiding officer.