In the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha, the opposition parties are contemplating fielding a candidate for the Speaker's post. This move is contingent upon the denial of the Deputy Speaker's position to their alliance. Sources privy to the situation shared this information with India Today TV on Saturday.
The inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha will commence on June 24 and conclude on July 3. The process for electing the Speaker will commence during this nine-day special session on June 26.
In the preceding 17th Lok Sabha, Om Birla of the BJP held the Speaker's position, while the Deputy Speaker's post remained vacant.
The INDIA bloc's victory in 233 seats marked a resurgence for the opposition parties. Despite forming the government for a third consecutive term, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) faced significant setbacks in crucial Hindi heartland states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
As a coalition government ascends to power after a decade-long hiatus, public attention has refocused on the Speaker's authority. The NDA components are keen on securing this position.
The Speaker's post is perceived as a reflection of the ruling party's or alliance's dominance and control over legislative proceedings in the Lok Sabha. The Constitution also mandates the election of a Deputy Speaker to fulfill the Speaker's responsibilities in their absence.
The Lok Sabha's presiding officer is the Speaker. This role extends beyond ceremonial duties to encompass significant influence over the House's functioning. The Speaker presides over joint Parliament sessions and determines whether a bill qualifies as a money bill. Lok Sabha committees also operate under their leadership.
Importantly, the Constitution designates the Deputy Speaker as an independent position, not subordinate to the Speaker.
