A parliamentary form of government is also known as responsible government due to its ability to pass a no-confidence motion. There are many different forms of motion, but at the base of what a motion is, let’s say there is a topic; whether work from home should become a mandate – this is a moving motion. If admitted, then there will be a debate, a discussion, and even voting on whether to go ahead with it or not. Not all motions have a similar process, but the primary goal is to debate and discuss.
1. What is a no-confidence motion?
In simple words, a no-confidence motion is a way for members of the Parliament to voice their dissatisfaction with the ruling government, particularly the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (Council of Ministers). It is an effective instrument for holding the government responsible. However, it is not uniquely common and is mainly raised in critical situations when the opposition believes the government has failed to fulfill its duties to the nation.
It can be initiated only in Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha by any member of the Parliament. Usually, the opposition parties propose and support the motion, but it can also come from within the ruling party if there is internal dissent.
2. Why was this motion proposed?
Since the beginning of this monsoon session (July 20th), the opposition was dead set on discussing the Manipur violence at length and demanded answers and statements from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Prime Minister. Dismissal of the matter resulted in proceedings of the session (in both houses) being stalled owing to opposition sloganeering.
On July 26th, the I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), an alliance of 26 opposition parties created on July 18th, presented a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led NDA. Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla received a written notice from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi proposing moving the no-confidence motion against the ruling government. For it to be moved, at least fifty MPs must give their assents as per the rules, and so after deeming that the motion is in order; the speaker asked those in favor to rise. As a result, the speaker accepted the motion and announced that he would set a date and time for the debate.
3. How is a no-confidence motion passed?
Prescribed under the rules of procedures and conduct of business in Lok sabha, Chapter XVII Section 198 has laid down guidelines for the no-confidence motion. After the motion is admitted, there is a debate in Parliament during which members can explore the reasons for their lack of trust in the government. Following the discussion, a vote is held. If more than half of Parliament’s members vote in favor of the motion, the ruling government is said to have lost the no-confidence motion. In such a case, the Prime Minister and the entire Council of Ministers are to resign from their positions.
Outcome– Although this no-confidence motion will fail because:
a. For any party to become a ruling government, they require more than 50% of Lok Sabha seats, that is 274. The BJP NDA alliance has 331 seats, and BJP alone has 303.
b. To pass this motion, more than 50% of the MPs need to vote in favor; it is not plausible in the present situation.
Then why? The opposition believes; even though they lose this motion, it will force the government, especially the Prime Minister, to come forward and answer questions and duly discuss the matter.
In context to Manipur violence, reportedly more than 120 have been killed and over 70,000 displaced in the northeast.