The Congress party has issued a strict three-line whip directing all its Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House from March 9 to 11, 2026, as Parliament reconvenes for the second phase of the Budget Session. This directive comes ahead of the likely discussion and potential vote on a resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, following a notice submitted by opposition members in February alleging partisan conduct during House proceedings.

The whip, described as urgent due to its underlined emphasis, mandates attendance to ensure full opposition strength during what could be a rare and contentious debate. The resolution, backed by at least 118 MPs from Congress and allies such as the Samajwadi Party and DMK (though not TMC), accuses Birla of acting in a "blatantly partisan" manner. Specific grievances include not allowing Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders to speak fully on key issues, such as the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, and the suspension of several opposition MPs amid disruptions.

Speaker Birla, in response to the notice submitted under Rule 94C of Lok Sabha procedures, decided on moral grounds not to preside over proceedings until the matter is resolved. He will remain present in the House as a member but will not occupy the Chair during the debate, allowing a senior member or the Deputy Speaker to manage the session. Rules under Article 96 of the Constitution prohibit the Speaker from presiding when a resolution for their removal is under consideration, marking this as only the second such instance in Lok Sabha history since the motion against the first Speaker, G.V. Mavalankar, in 1954.

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The ruling BJP has also issued a whip to its MPs for mandatory presence on March 9 and 10, signaling preparations for a potential division of votes. With the NDA holding a majority, the resolution is widely expected to fail, but the opposition views it as essential to highlight perceived biases and demand accountability from the Chair. The move follows months of parliamentary logjams, including adjournments and protests over various issues during the session's first phase, which ended on February 13.

This development underscores deepening tensions between the government and opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha, with both sides mobilizing fully for the proceedings. The debate, set to begin on March 9, could set precedents for future challenges to the Speaker's role and further shape the tone of the ongoing Budget Session through April 2.

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