As NDA Deliberates On Lok Sabha Speaker, Opposition Pushes For Deputy (image-X/Secretary_MoHUA)
Ahead of the debut session of the new government, both the ruling and Opposition coalitions are striving to reach an agreement on the appointment of the Lok Sabha speaker. Sources indicate that the NDA is advocating for a consensus candidate, a position supported by Opposition parties. However, the Opposition said that based on tradition, it should be offered the role of Deputy Speaker.
This time, the BJP is though the single largest in Parliament with 240 seats, it is 32 seats short to cross the majority, necessitating reliance on Nitish Kumar’s JDU and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP to stay in power. While NDA allies are willing to support a candidate nominated by the BJP, contingent upon thorough consultations. Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has already pledged support for the BJP’s decision, while the TDP will back an NDA candidate.
In previous instances, when the BJP got absolute majority in 2014 and 2019, Sumitra Mahajan and Om Birla were elected Speaker without contest. The Deputy Speaker position was held by AIADMK’s M. Thambi Durai in the 16th Lok Sabha but remained vacant in the 17th Lok Sabha.
Under the UPA-led governments, BJP MPs Charanjit Singh Atwal and Kariya Munda served as Deputy Speaker in 2004 and 2009, respectively.
Sources said that the government would like to avoid confrontation with the Opposition over the Speaker or Deputy Speaker selection, noting that the outcome depends on the Opposition’s response to their outreach efforts.
The BJP will be discussing the names with NDA allies before going to the Opposition for the Speaker’s post. Many party leaders are considering the possibility of re-nominating Om Birla, who made history as the first Speaker since 2004 to contest and win a Lok Sabha seat after presiding over proceedings.
Other names being discussed include D Purandeswari and veteran MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who recently switched from the BJD to the BJP and secured victory in the elections.
Purandeshwari leads the BJP’s Andhra unit and collaborated with the TDP to unseat the YSR Congress. Her selection could be an ideal middle ground for the BJP and the TDP, considering she is Chandrababu Naidu’s sister-in-law.
According to the tentative schedule, the new Lok Sabha will convene on June 24 for the swearing-in of new members over Monday and Tuesday. June 26 has been earmarked for the Speaker’s election if there is a contest; if a consensus candidate emerges, the new Speaker will assume office the same day.
The swearing-in of newly elected MPs will be conducted by the pro-tem Speaker, traditionally the most senior MP. Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, elected for an eighth term, is expected to assume this temporary role.
In 2019, despite Maneka Gandhi being the most senior member, BJP’s Veerendra Kumar, then in his seventh term as MP and now a Union Minister, administered the oath to new MPs.
The Speaker plays a crucial role in the Lok Sabha, tasked with impartially overseeing its proceedings. Beyond managing the House, the Speaker sets the agenda for parliamentary sessions and facilitates critical motions such as adjournments and no-confidence votes.
In matters concerning the interpretation and application of House rules, the Speaker’s decisions are final and binding, ensuring order and fairness amidst diverse perspectives from ruling and opposition members. This non-partisan approach is vital due to the Speaker’s dual role as an elected representative of a specific party.
The Speaker also holds the authority to discipline disruptive conduct and enforce penalties, including the disqualification of members under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.
