The three times no-confidence motion shook governments in the past

After enjoying majority for 4 years in the government, Narendra Modi led BJP now faces no-confidence motion today. In the history of India, this will be the 27th no-confidence motion. The last no-confidence motion was moved 15 years ago by the Congress against Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA in 2003 following re-induction of George Fernandes in the Union Cabinet as Defence Minister. However, it was defeated with an overwhelming majority favouring Vajpayee .

Here are details on the three no-confidence motions that shook the governments in the past:

In 1999, the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had lost the no-confidence motion moved against his government by the opposition led by Sonia Gandhi. The BSP, which had assured the BJP of its support, voted against the government in the Lok Sabha. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government lost by 1 vote


In 1997, a no-confidence motion was moved against the HD Devegowda government. In, 1996, Devegowda became the prime minister with the support of Congress. However, soon after 10 months, Congress withdrew its support which led to the fall of Devegowda's govt.

In 1990, VP Singh's government faced the heat of no-confidence motion. Singh ruled for just 11 months before the BJP withdrew support over the Ram temple issue, causing the government to lose a no-confidence motion on November 10, 1990.

A no-confidence motion is moved by a Lok Sabha MP, if he/she feels that the govt in power is not functioning properly, in that case, the members demand the resignation of that govt. If more than 50 MPs support the motion, a debate is initiated. The house is put to vote, where the ruling govt has to prove its majority.