As the new Lok Sabha prepares to select a Speaker on June 26, both the ruling NDA and the Opposition’s INDIA bloc are working to find common ground on the appointment. Government sources indicate a desire to avoid confrontation over the Speaker or Deputy Speaker roles, contingent on the Opposition’s response to their proposals.
Key Developments:
- NDA’s Consensus Approach: The NDA is advocating for a consensus candidate for the Speaker position. The Opposition agrees but insists that the Deputy Speaker post, by convention, should go to them.
- Support from Allies: NDA allies like JD(U) and TDP have shown support for a BJP nominee. JD(U) has stated it will back the BJP’s decision, while TDP is open to a consensus within the NDA.
- Opposition’s Stance: The Congress party expects the ruling party to honour the convention by offering the Deputy Speaker role to the Opposition. Some Opposition members believe their focus should be on challenging the government on more substantive issues.
Recent Meetings:
- Discussions with Congress: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju recently met with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. However, the meeting did not specifically address the presiding officers.
- Past Practices: In previous Lok Sabha terms, BJP members Sumitra Mahajan and Om Birla were elected Speaker without contest when the party had a majority. The Deputy Speaker position, however, has been left vacant during the 17th Lok Sabha.
Potential Candidates:
- BJP Nominees: While Om Birla, the current Speaker, is a strong contender, other names such as D Purandeswari and seven-term MP Bhartruhari Mahtab are also being considered. There is a possibility of a surprise candidate being nominated by the BJP leadership.
Upcoming Schedule:
- June 24: New Lok Sabha members will be sworn in.
- June 26: Scheduled date for the Speaker election. If a consensus candidate is agreed upon, the Speaker will be appointed without contest.
- June 27: President Droupadi Murmu will address the joint session of Parliament.
- June 28 – July 3: Both Houses will discuss the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
The new MPs will be sworn in by the pro-tem Speaker, expected to be Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, the most senior member elected for an eighth term.
