Monsoon session: Lok Sabha accepts no-confidence motion against NDA
What's the story
On the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, a no-confidence motion was moved and accepted against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
This was the first time in 15 years that such a motion was moved against the government.
It was moved by Congress, BJP's former ally TDP, and Sharad Pawar's NCP.
Information
Understanding how a no-confidence motion works
A no-confidence motion requires signatures of at least 50 MPs, and this time over 50 Opposition lawmakers gave their consent. Further, such a motion needs to be debated within ten days of being moved, and Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan scheduled a discussion for Friday.
Reason
Understanding why Opposition may have moved no-confidence motion
It should be noted that the BJP government is not in any danger, as they have 273 seats in the Lower House. This number is way beyond the half-way mark.
But the Opposition may have moved the motion in hope to score points ahead of the general elections 2019. It may also want to force fence-sitters like Biju Janta Dal to choose a side.
The demand
In Parliament, TDP members shout 'We Want Justice'
Notably, in 2003, Sonia Gandhi had moved a no-confidence motion against the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA but was beaten by a large margin.
Today, Chandrababu Naidu's decision of favoring the motion can be seen as an extension of his battle with the Centre over special status of Andhra Pradesh.
TDP members shouted 'We Want Justice', demanding the special status, in the House.
BJP's side
People of India have full confidence in PM: Anant Kumar
Reacting to the no-confidence motion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar said, unlike the Opposition the people of India have full confidence in the Prime Minister.
Notably, PM Modi hoped for a fruitful monsoon session.
"Whatever issues any party has, it can raise on the floor of the house. The government is ready for discussion on all issues," he said today.