Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 9: The second phase of Parliament’s Budget session commenced on a stormy note on Monday as the Lok Sabha prepared to take up an Opposition-backed motion seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, while the escalating conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran is also expected to dominate the proceedings.
The motion against Birla, signed by 118 Opposition Members of Parliament, alleges that the Speaker conducted the House proceedings in a “blatantly partisan” manner. Following the submission of the notice, Birla has recused himself from presiding over the Lok Sabha during the discussion and is expected to return to the chair only after the House takes a decision on the motion.
However, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoys a comfortable majority in the House, making the success of the motion highly unlikely. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended strong support to Birla, stating that the Speaker has upheld the principles of the Constitution and parliamentary democracy.
Meanwhile, the intensifying crisis in the Middle East is set to be a major issue during the session. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to brief Parliament on the fast-developing situation in the region, where the conflict that began on February 28 has continued to escalate.
The government is also keeping a close watch on the safety of Indian citizens in the Gulf region. In recent days, Modi has spoken with several regional leaders including Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, stressing the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora in the region.
Opposition parties are expected to question the government on India’s diplomatic stance, rising crude oil prices and possible disruptions to global energy supplies. The involvement of groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon has further widened the regional crisis.
Apart from foreign policy concerns, domestic political issues are also likely to trigger heated exchanges. Opposition parties are planning to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, while the BJP may counter with allegations related to protocol during President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the state.
Ahead of the session, senior leaders of the Indian National Congress including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held a strategy meeting in New Delhi. The party is expected to raise issues such as energy security, unemployment and the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The second half of the Budget session will also focus on the scrutiny of Demands for Grants for ministries for the financial year 2026–27 and the passage of the Finance Bill 2026 containing the tax proposals announced in the Union Budget earlier this year.