What is a ‘substantive motion’? BJP MP initiated one against Rahul Gandhi? Full details here
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday said he has initiated a substantive motion against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he was “hand in glove” with “anti-national” forces.
After Dubey raised the matter during the zero hour in the house, protests ensued leading to adjournment for the day.
In his notice, Dubey accused Rahul Gandhi of having engaged with the Soros Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and USAID, and had travelled to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the United States to carry out “anti-India” activities.
Speaking to the presspersons outside Parliament, Dubey said he had demanded cancellation of Gandhi’s membership and sought that he be banned from contesting elections for life time.
Dubey had earlier, in February 2025, filed a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi accusing him of distorting facts and attempting to undermine the prestige of the country through his speech in the Lok Sabha.
While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had indicated that the government might move a privilege motion, but government sources on Thursday said no such decision had been taken.
Responding to the motion, Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal stated that the Congress party was “not bothered about any motions.”
Venugopal criticised the removal of parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech during the Lok Sabha debate on the India-U.S. interim trade deal, in which Gandhi had accused the government of compromising national interests.
He also defended the Congress’ move to submit a notice seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, stating that the party had not been receiving justice from the Chair.
Responding to the BJP’s criticism, he asked what privilege Gandhi had violated and said that despite past action against him, voters had returned him to Parliament with a higher margin.
What is a substantive motion?
A substantive motion is a formal proposal brought before the Lok Sabha to get a clear and final decision from the House.
It is a complete proposal by itself and is not connected to any other matter being discussed. If the House approves it, the motion becomes the official opinion or decision of the Lok Sabha on that issue.
According to the Lok Sabha rules, such a motion can be taken up only if the Speaker allows it. The Speaker has full authority to accept or reject the proposal and also decides when and how it will be discussed.
If the Speaker admits the motion, members can debate it and then vote on it. In some cases, the matter may also be sent to a special committee to study the issue and submit a report.
A substantive motion forces the House to seriously consider a specific issue and take a clear stand. Since Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition, which is a constitutional position, any action against him must follow a proper parliamentary process. A substantive motion provides that proper procedure.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
