In a significant political development, the united opposition bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), spearheaded by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, has initiated a no-confidence motion against the Modi government. The motion was submitted in the Speaker’s office at 9.20 am on Wednesday, shortly after the alliance’s decision on Tuesday. As per the rules, if a no-confidence motion is submitted before 10 am, it must be taken up on the same day. Following Gogoi’s move, Bharat Rashtra Samithi MP Nama Nageshwara Rao also filed a no-confidence motion against the government.
The Lok Sabha Speaker admitted both motions and assured that he will schedule the debates after consulting all parties and following the parliamentary rule book. Crucially, all the opposition parties forming the INDIA alliance have rallied behind the no-confidence motion. Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Lok Sabha lays down the specific procedure for introducing a no-confidence motion. An MP must provide a written notice of the motion before 10 am, which will then be read out in the House by the Speaker.
The allotted date for the motion to be debated must fall within 10 days from its acceptance; otherwise, the motion is considered failed, and the MP who moved it is duly informed. This is not the first time the opposition has tabled a no-confidence motion against the Modi government, but it holds particular significance as it marks the first instance in PM Modi’s second term in office. Previously, a no-confidence motion was moved against the government on July 20, 2018, during which the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious with 325 MPs voting against the motion and 126 in support.
Given the ruling party’s majority in both houses of Parliament, the current no-confidence motion represents a strong response from the opposition bloc. Their primary demand has been for PM Modi to address the issues pertaining to Manipur, which has further intensified the political battle between the NDA and INDIA. In response to the motion, PM Modi drew parallels between INDIA and the East India Company, accusing organizations that bear India’s name of being responsible for dividing the country.
He asserted that the government is prepared for any situation and willing to engage in discussions on Manipur. However, the opposition’s shifting demands have hindered a fruitful dialogue. As the no-confidence motion proceeds, the nation awaits a critical moment in its parliamentary history. If the government fails to prove its majority during the debate, it will be compelled to resign, potentially leading to significant political upheaval. The opposition’s united stance and the ruling party’s firm majority have set the stage for a high-stakes political showdown that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s governance.