Daily Current Affairs : 26-July-2023

The Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), an alliance of opposition parties, is gearing up to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent Narendra Modi government in the Lok Sabha. A no-confidence motion is a significant parliamentary tool used by the opposition to express their lack of confidence in the ruling government.We will explore the concept of a no-confidence motion, its procedural aspects, historical significance, and the role it plays in the Indian political landscape.

Understanding the No-Confidence Motion

A no-confidence motion is a way for the opposition to challenge the credibility of the government in power. If the motion is passed, the government is required to prove its majority in the House. Should it fail to do so, the government falls immediately, leading to the resignation of the entire cabinet, including the Prime Minister.

Procedure for a No-Confidence Motion
  1. Introduction of Motion: The no-confidence motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, as per Article 75 of the Constitution, which holds the Cabinet collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha.
  2. Requirement for Support: To move a no-confidence motion, a minimum of 50 members of the Lok Sabha must support the motion. Any Lok Sabha MP can initiate the motion if they can garner the backing of 50 colleagues.
  3. Formal Submission: The information about bringing the motion must be given in writing to the Secretary-General by 10 am.
  4. President’s Involvement: If the motion is passed, the President of India sets one or more days for discussion. The President may also ask the government to prove its majority.
No-Confidence Motions in the Past

The first no-confidence motion was moved in 1963 during the third Lok Sabha by Acharya J B Kripalani against Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s government. Since then, there have been 26 more no-confidence motions in the Indian parliament, with the most recent one in 2018, moved by the TRS against the previous Narendra Modi government.

Significance of the No-Confidence Motion
  1. Questioning the Government: The no-confidence motion serves as a strategic tool for the opposition to question the ruling government’s policies, actions, and failures.
  2. Facilitating Discussions: It allows for focused discussions on specific topics or issues, bringing them to the forefront of the political agenda.
  3. Uniting the Opposition: The no-confidence motion plays a pivotal role in uniting various opposition parties with the common goal of challenging the government’s credibility.
  4. Periodic Tests of Government: As Pandit Nehru noted, the motion acts as a periodic test for the government’s performance, promoting accountability.

Important Points:

  • The Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is planning to move a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government in the Lok Sabha.
  • A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary tool used by the opposition to express lack of confidence in the government.
  • The ruling party must prove its majority in the Lok Sabha to maintain confidence, and if it fails to do so, the government falls immediately.
  • The no-confidence motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, as per Article 75 of the Constitution.
  • It requires the support of at least 50 members of the House, and any Lok Sabha MP can initiate the motion with the backing of 50 colleagues.
  • The motion must be submitted in writing to the Secretary-General by 10 am.
  • If the motion is passed, the President of India schedules one or more days for discussion and may ask the government to prove its majority.
  • The first no-confidence motion was moved in 1963 against Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s government.
  • There have been 26 more no-confidence motions in the Indian parliament, with the most recent one in 2018 against the previous Narendra Modi government.
  • The no-confidence motion allows the opposition to question the government’s policies, actions, and failures.
  • It facilitates discussions on specific topics or issues, bringing them to the forefront of the political agenda.
  • The motion plays a crucial role in uniting various opposition parties with the common goal of challenging the government’s credibility.
  • Pandit Nehru noted that the motion acts as a periodic test for the government’s performance, promoting accountability.
Why In News

The INDIA coalition’s decision to bring forth a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government reflects growing concerns over its policies and governance. As the political landscape intensifies, the motion is expected to trigger heated debates and potential shifts in the balance of power within the Lok Sabha.

MCQs about No-Confidence Motion in Indian Parliament

  1. In which house of the Indian Parliament can a no-confidence motion be introduced?
    A. Rajya Sabha
    B. Lok Sabha
    C. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: B. Lok Sabha
    Explanation: A no-confidence motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, as per Article 75 of the Constitution.
  2. How many members of the Lok Sabha must support a no-confidence motion for it to be initiated?
    A. At least 25 members
    B. At least 40 members
    C. At least 50 members
    D. At least 75 members
    Correct Answer: C. At least 50 members
    Explanation: A no-confidence motion requires the support of at least 50 members of the Lok Sabha for it to be initiated.
  3. What happens if a no-confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?
    A. The President of India dissolves the Lok Sabha.
    B. The ruling government must prove its majority in the House.
    C. The motion is transferred to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration.
    D. The Prime Minister automatically resigns from office.
    Correct Answer: B. The ruling government must prove its majority in the House.
    Explanation: If a no-confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha, the ruling government must prove its majority in the House. If it fails to do so, the government falls immediately.

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