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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
As the new Lok Sabha gears up to select a Speaker on June 26, the ruling and Opposition coalition groups are working together
NEW DELHI: As the new Lok Sabha gears up to select a Speaker on June 26, the ruling and Opposition coalition groups are working together to reach a consensus on the post of the presiding officer. According to media sources, the NDA is pushing for a candidate everyone can agree on, and the Opposition supports this idea. However, the Opposition is also reminding everyone that it’s customary for the Deputy Speaker position to be offered to them.
NDA sources mentioned that the allies are open to a BJP candidate but want to discuss it first. JD(U) has committed to supporting the BJP’s decision, while the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has rooted for an NDA candidate. However, the TDP is flexible if there’s a consensus. They plan to discuss and decide at the NDA meeting for Speaker nomination, according to a source in the TDP.
A senior JD(U) leader stated, “We won’t be asking for the Speaker or Deputy Speaker positions. Our MP already holds the Deputy Chairman role in the Upper House.”
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Many in the Opposition believe they should save their energy for challenging the government on important issues where they can make a strong impact and play as a check on the treasury benches. However, the Indian National Congress (INC) expects the ruling party to follow tradition and offer the Deputy Speaker position to the Opposition, according to some media sources.
Following a meeting of BJP senior ministers with NDA partners on Sunday, the new Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. However, sources indicated that they did not discuss the presiding officer positions during their meeting.
In both 2014 and 2019, when the BJP had a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, party MPs Sumitra Mahajan and Om Birla were elected as Speakers without any opposition.
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According to the schedule, the new Lok Sabha will meet on June 24, with new members being sworn in on Monday and Tuesday. If there’s a contest, the Speaker election will be on Wednesday, June 26. If there’s a consensus candidate, the new Speaker will take charge that day without a contest.
President Droupadi Murmu will address Parliament on June 27, and government business will continue until July 3. During this time, both Houses are expected to discuss the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address.
