The INDIA bloc has announced its decision to field Congress leader K Suresh for the Speaker’s post in the 18th Lok Sabha, challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s candidate and former Speaker, Om Birla. This decision comes after failed attempts to reach a consensus between the government and the Opposition, signaling potential confrontations ahead in the newly convened Lok Sabha.
Despite initial signs of compromise, negotiations collapsed, leading both sides to prepare for an electoral showdown. Government sources indicated that the BJP sought the Opposition’s support for Om Birla, while the Opposition demanded the Deputy Speaker’s position in return. The government rejected this conditional support, leading to a standoff.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the Opposition’s stance, emphasizing the importance of a unanimous selection for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker roles. “The Speaker does not belong to any party or Opposition; he belongs to the entire House,” Goyal stated, urging a collaborative approach.
Congress MP Suresh, upon filing his nomination, highlighted the convention of allocating the Deputy Speaker role to the Opposition, accusing the government of breaking tradition. “Deputy Speaker is our right. But they are not ready to give it to us,” Suresh said, explaining the rationale behind his candidacy.
The impasse followed extensive outreach efforts by the government, including a series of meetings led by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, DMK leader M K Stalin, and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav. Despite these efforts, the deadlock persisted, with Kharge reiterating the Opposition’s demand for the Deputy Speaker position.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for constructive cooperation, citing the unresolved issue as a sign of disrespect towards Opposition leaders. “PM Modi is asking for cooperation from Opposition but our leader is getting insulted,” Gandhi remarked, reflecting the ongoing tensions.
With no resolution in sight, key NDA leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister JP Nadda, supported Birla’s nomination, while the INDIA bloc indicated plans to seek support from non-aligned parties.
The election for the Speaker’s post is scheduled for June 26, 2024, amidst heightened political tension. The recent Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP winning 240 of 543 seats, with the NDA securing 293 seats, ensuring a third term for PM Modi. The INDIA bloc garnered 234 seats, with the Congress improving its tally to 99 seats.
