New Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi launched a sharp attack on the Opposition over its no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing them of pursuing a “demand first, disturb later” strategy that disrupts parliamentary functioning rather than engaging in constructive debate.
Speaking amid the ongoing budget session chaos, Joshi criticised the Opposition for prioritising protests over procedure. He said the Opposition has “nothing to say against the Speaker” and slammed their approach: “These people make demands first and then create disturbances later.” He questioned, “What kind of theory is the reason that they demand first and disturb later?”
Joshi highlighted that the no-confidence motion was listed on the day’s agenda, with the chair repeatedly offering to allow discussion. When Deputy Speaker Jagdambika Pal presided, he “repeatedly said that if you want to move the resolution, I allow the discussion”, Joshi noted. Yet, Opposition members raised unrelated issues like the West Asia crisis, leading to repeated adjournments and suspension of proceedings.
He stressed procedural norms: “When a no-confidence motion against the Speaker is on the agenda, how can you bring another resolution or adjournment motion in the middle?” Joshi added that the Opposition’s real intent was “only to create chaos”, while the government remained ready for discussion. He pointed out that moving such a resolution requires at least 50 members to stand in support.
The remarks came after Opposition sloganeering prevented the scheduled debate on the motion, submitted earlier with backing from multiple parties, including TMC support. Joshi mocked the idea of running the House per one leader’s whims, asking, “If we have to run the house according to Rahul Gandhi’s words, what is the need for rules?”
The confrontation underscores deepening tensions in the second half of the Budget session, with procedural battles overshadowing legislative business.