Unprecedented Showdown: Motion of No Confidence Against Indian Government

On 26th July 2023, a historic event unfolded in the lower house of the Indian Parliament as Deputy Opposition Leader and Kaliabor Constituency MP, Gaurav Gogoi, initiated a motion of no-confidence against the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marked the 7th instance in Indian democratic history that a Prime Minister faced such a challenge, following in the footsteps of stalwarts like Indira Gandhi.

A motion of no confidence is a legislative procedure aimed at gauging the ruling administration's public support. It enables lawmakers to express doubts about the government's effectiveness in governance. If the motion garners a majority vote, the government must resign, potentially leading to a change in leadership or early elections. This mechanism serves as a vital check and balance in democracy, ensuring accountability and representation of the people's will.

Despite the significance of the motion, the House faced disruptions on 27th July due to the I.N.D.I.A Bloc demanding discussions on the Manipur issue. Nonetheless, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed the no-confidence resolution and pledged ample time for a thorough debate. With only 13 working days remaining in the monsoon session, the Speaker can allocate up to 10 days for the debate in accordance with established procedures.