New Delhi: The Lok Sabha Speakers post will witness an election as the ruling BJP-led NDAs Om Birla and INDIA Blocs K Suresh has been fielded for the Lok Sabha Speaker post as they could not reach a consensus. BJP MP Om Birla has been nominated by the NDA, while the opposition has chosen veteran Congress leader K Suresh as its candidate. The decision to contest the Speakers election comes after extensive deliberations failed to bridge the gap between the government and the opposition on a mutually agreeable candidate. This move marks a departure from the tradition of electing the Speaker through consensus and sets the stage for a competitive electoral process in Indias lower house of Parliament.BJP MP Om Birla files his nomination for the post of Speaker of the 18th Lok SabhaNDA has fielded Om Birla, INDIA bloc has fielded Congress MP K Suresh for the post of Speaker pic.twitter.com/huC271xmxm— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024Congress MP K Suresh filed his nomination for the post of Speaker of the 18th Lok SabhaNDA has fielded BJP MP Om Birla for the post of Speaker(Source: Congress) pic.twitter.com/BDo2rA8rrB— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024 After extensive deliberations on Tuesday, the ruling BJP-led NDA and the opposition reached a consensus to re-elect BJP MP Om Birla as the Lok Sabha Speaker. In a significant move, the opposition decided not to nominate any candidate for the Speakers post, solidifying Birlas path to reelection.Rajnath Singh reaches out to Opposition Efforts were spearheaded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to build consensus on the Speakers candidacy following deliberations within the opposition INDIA bloc.Deputy Speaker vacant since 2019The deputy Speakers position, which has remained vacant since 2019, was also under discussion, with speculation that it could go to the opposition if consensus was achieved on the Speaker.Deadline for filing nominationsThe deadline for filing nominations for the Speakers post was set for June 25, and had the opposition contested, elections would have been held on Wednesday. Historically, all Speakers of the Lok Sabha have been elected unanimously, underscoring the significance of consensus in parliamentary proceedings.Pro tem SpeakerThis agreement follows a recent dispute between the government and the opposition over the appointment of pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, highlighting broader tensions in parliamentary protocol.Election on June 26 As the nomination process for the Lok Sabha Speaker commences, the election is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, marking a critical moment in Indias parliamentary history.Controversy about pro tem Speaker The appointment of BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker has saprked a dispute between the ruling NDA and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. Congress has criticised the selection of Mahtab, arguing that it deviates from the tradition of appointing the senior-most MP.
