New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted on Tuesday that a member of the panel of chairpersons is indeed able to preside over the Lok Sabha when a motion for the Speaker's removal is under consideration. In reaction, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi remarked, "In the future, research on parliamentary records will reveal that Kiren Rijiju was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister who most frequently interrupted the Opposition."

This exchange unfolded as Gogoi raised procedural and constitutional concerns during the Lok Sabha's ongoing discussion regarding the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla.

During the debate, Gogoi referenced parliamentary guidelines, emphasizing that the Speaker should refrain from presiding over discussions that involve a motion for his own removal.

He raised questions regarding the decision that Jagdambika Pal would oversee the House during the resolution's discussion, given that the Speaker appoints a panel of chairpersons.

Rijiju interjected, stating, "Jagdambika Pal, a member of the panel of chairpersons, is authorized to preside over the Lok Sabha when a resolution regarding the Speaker's removal is addressed."

In response, Gogoi reiterated, "Future analyses of parliamentary records will undoubtedly indicate that Kiren Rijiju was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister who most often interrupted the Opposition."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah interjected, agreeing with Gogoi's assessment, and remarked, "Indeed, Kiren Rijiju, in his role as Parliamentary Affairs Minister, has interrupted the most. However, we have also never encountered such an irresponsible Opposition."

Gogoi reinforced his previous argument, stating that the rationale for a chairperson from the panel, selected by the Speaker, to preside over such debates is fundamentally linked to the Speaker's authority.

He contended that allowing a panel member appointed by the Speaker to preside over discussions concerning a motion against the Speaker represents a "violation of the Constitution".

Furthermore, he highlighted that in the last three occasions when a resolution aimed at the removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker was tabled, a Deputy Speaker was present in the House. He criticized the current government for not appointing a Deputy Speaker.

Gogoi clarified that the Opposition has no "personal grievances" against Om Birla, asserting that the issue pertains to the operations of the Chair and the management of the House.

He added that despite the Opposition INDIA Bloc comprising nearly 200 members in the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker's position remains unfilled, emphasizing that the nation deserves transparency regarding the House's functioning under these conditions.