Lok Sabha Prepares for Speaker Election Amid Coalition and Opposition Negotiations

New Delhi, 18th June 2024: Ahead of the upcoming election for the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on June 26, both the ruling coalition and the Opposition are working towards consensus on this pivotal position.

Sources indicate that the NDA is advocating for a mutual agreement on a candidate, while Opposition parties acknowledge this stance but emphasize that tradition suggests the Deputy Speaker position should be offered to them.

Within the NDA, it’s reported that allies are prepared to support the BJP’s choice after consultations. The JD(U) has expressed its unconditional support for the BJP’s decision, while the TDP prefers a candidate from the NDA but is open to consensus among its partners.

Meanwhile, the JD(U) clarified that they do not intend to claim the Speaker or Deputy Speaker positions, given their MP already serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House.

Regarding strategy, some in the Opposition propose focusing efforts on critical issues to challenge the government effectively, rather than contesting the presiding officer roles. However, the Congress expects the ruling party to adhere to convention and offer the Deputy Speaker position to them.

Discussions between BJP ministers and NDA partners have been ongoing, including a meeting between Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, though presiding officer appointments were reportedly not discussed.

Historically, during BJP’s majority terms, Speakers were elected unopposed, while Deputy Speaker roles were assigned to BJP MPs during the Congress-led UPA’s tenure.

Sources from the government stress avoiding conflict over Speaker or Deputy Speaker appointments and await the Opposition’s response to their proposals.

As preparations proceed, the BJP is anticipated to discuss nominations internally before engaging with the Opposition. The possibility of re-nominating Om Birla for the Speaker role or considering alternative candidates like D Purandeswari and Bhartruhari Mahtab has been mentioned.

The provisional schedule outlines the Lok Sabha convening on June 24 for swearing-in new members, with the Speaker’s election scheduled for June 26 unless a consensus candidate emerges earlier.

President Droupadi Murmu is set to address Parliament on June 27, with legislative business expected until July 3, including discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.

The swearing-in of MPs will be overseen by the pro-tem Speaker, conventionally the most senior MP, with Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh likely to fulfill this role.

In 2019, Veerendra Kumar administered oaths due to seniority issues faced by Maneka Gandhi.