Speaker Om Birla to Skip Lok Sabha Amid No-Confidence Motion

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has decided not to attend the House until the no-confidence motion against him is discussed and decided.
• This decision, though not mandatory by rules, was made by Birla himself.
• The motion to remove the Speaker is expected to be discussed on March 9, the first day of the second phase of the Budget Session.
• According to Article 96(1) of the Constitution, the Speaker cannot preside over proceedings when a removal motion is under consideration, but can participate in the discussion.
• 118 MPs from parties including Congress, SP, and DMK have signed the no-confidence motion, alleging the Speaker denies them opportunities to raise public issues.