TMC Backs No-Confidence Motion Against Om Birla, Opposition Unity Tested

• TMC reverses stance, now supports Congress-led no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for opposition unity.
• Motion alleges Speaker Om Birla showed 'blatant discrimination', favored ruling party, and silenced opposition MPs including Rahul Gandhi.
• Despite NDA's 293-member majority in Lok Sabha (541 total), making motion's passage unlikely, it serves as a test of opposition unity.
• Both BJP and Congress have issued whips to their MPs, intensifying parliamentary confrontation ahead of Budget Session's second phase.
• Discussion on the motion is expected on March 9, the start of Parliament's Budget Session second phase.