Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted the no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition against the Narendra Modi government over Manipur violence. He has requested time to discuss the issue and fix the time of debate later.

A government can only hold power in a parliamentary democracy if it has a majority in the directly elected House.

Article 75(3) of Constitution - Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

No Confidence Motion is a mechanism to test the collective responsibility as enshrined in the constitution.

How is no Confidence motion initiated?

Any MP of Lok Sabha with the support of 50 Members can introduce a motion of No- Confidence against the council of ministers.

Thereafter, a discussion on the motion takes place. MPs who support the motion highlight the government’s shortcomings, and the Treasury Benches respond to the issues they raise. Finally, a vote takes place – in case the motion carries, the government is bound to vacate the office.

No Confidence Motion has been used strategic tool to force a discussion on certain topic or issue.

Even if opposition does not have the numbers to defeat the no-confidence motion it still is a better tool for the discussion on important matters, in this case the situation of Manipur.