Om Birla Steps Aside: LS Speaker Won't Chair House Until No-Confidence Motion Resolved

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will not occupy the Speaker’s chair until the no-confidence motion against him is disposed of.
• Sources indicate Birla has taken a 'moral position' to convey that notices against the Chair should be addressed promptly.
• The decision reflects his view that the House should formally settle the matter once a no-confidence motion is admitted.
• Birla is unlikely to reconsider his stand, having conveyed his sentiments to leaders across party lines.
• The Congress moved a no-confidence notice under Article 94(c), alleging partisan conduct and denial of speaking time to opposition.