No-Confidence Motion Demystified: A Deep Dive into Its Meaning and Mechanisms

In response to the ongoing strife in Manipur, opposition parties belonging to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have taken a significant step. The Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have submitted no-confidence motion notices in the Lok Sabha against PM Narendra Modi's government over the Manipur issue. The motion has been accepted, and the Speaker will announce the debate date soon.

Understanding a No-Confidence Motion

A no-confidence motion signifies that one or more members of parliament have lost confidence in the appointed government. It allows the opposition to challenge the government's majority and ability to govern, and if passed, the government must resign.

The Process of Moving a No-Confidence Motion

Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion, but it must be supported by at least 50 members of the House. The motion must be in writing, signed by the member moving it, and then submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on a sitting day. The member must provide a written notice of the motion before 10 am, and the Speaker will read it out in the House.

What Happens After a No-Confidence Motion is Moved?

After a no-confidence motion is moved, the Speaker decides whether to admit the motion for discussion and debate. If admitted, the date and time for the discussion are determined, with the date scheduled within 10 days of its acceptance.

The Debate and Vote

The motion is debated in the Lok Sabha, with the member who submitted it moving the motion. It is followed by a response from the government and an opportunity for the opposition parties to speak on it. After the debate, the Lok Sabha votes on the motion, and it passes if supported by a majority of the members.

The Outcome

If the motion is passed, the government must resign. If the government wins the vote, the motion is defeated, and the government remains in power.

Historical Perspective

Since Independence, 27 no-confidence motions have been moved. History shows that most no-confidence motions have been defeated, with exceptions like Prime Minister Morarji Desai's resignation in July 1979 and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government’s loss by one vote in 1999. The most recent motion was moved against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in 2018, which they survived by 195 votes.

The outcome of the upcoming no-confidence motion against the Modi government will have significant implications for the political landscape of India. It's a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the situation in Manipur and the government's ability to address it effectively.