The Opposition has questioned Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on the reason for delaying the debate on the no-confidence motion moved by the TDP and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
The debate could not take place for third day running, as the Speaker said that the House was not in order.
“The Speaker is duty-bound to accept the no-confidence motion as long as the motion itself is in order. There are no specific rules that say that the House needs to be in order for such a motion,” Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien said.
He said that if the Speaker found it difficult to count 54 members who were backing the motion, she could take the help of marshals.
CPI(M) leader Mohammed Salim said the reasoning that the “House is not in order” could not be selectively used. “Rules can’t be applied selectively. Was the House in order when the Union Budget was passed,” Mr. Salim asked.
The Opposition claims the Centre has three reasons to be worried. One, the debate itself could potentially be embarrassing for it. Second, the discussion could expose the fissures within the NDA. The Shiv Sena has already said that if the vote takes place, they would abstain. And third, the numbers who vote for the no-confidence motion, could illuminate the contours of the divided Opposition.
