The stage is set for the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha, beginning 24 June. On 26th June, the Lok Sabha will elect its new Speaker. There are speculations that the opposition might field a candidate for this crucial role. The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections came in on 4th June, witnessing the NDA led by BJP securing 293 seats, and the INDIA block garnering 234 seats.
Insiders suggest that if opposition parties are not granted the Deputy Speaker post, they might put forward a candidate for the Speaker position. The final decision will be taken before the parliament session begins.
The Deputy Speaker's role vacant for the last five years
With the 'INDIA' block's increased seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a leader for the opposition in the lower house will be appointed after ten years. Additionally, the opposition has its eyes set on contesting for the Deputy Speaker position. It's noteworthy that this role has been vacant for the past five years.
During the 17th Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker's position remained unfilled for five years, marking it the second instance when the house functioned without an official Leader of the Opposition. Generally, the Deputy Speaker's role is allocated to the opposition. One opposition leader mentioned they would press for ensuring that the Deputy Speaker's position is not left empty this time.
JDU and TDP will support BJP candidate
KC Tyagi, a leader from the Janata Dal (United), remarked the previous day that his party and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are integral parts of the NDA, led by BJP, and will back the BJP's nominee for the Lok Sabha Speaker. Tyagi proclaimed, 'JDU and TDP stand firmly with NDA. We will support the person nominated by BJP for the role of Speaker.'
His statement came in response to speculations by some opposition leaders that the new Lok Sabha Speaker could be from the TDP or JDU. He clarified, 'With BJP leading the coalition government at the center, both TDP and JDU are with NDA. We will support the candidate designated by BJP for the Speaker.'
Opposition suggests JDU and TDP to elect their Speaker
The Aam Aadmi Party made a statement on Monday urging the NDA constituents TDP and JDU to ensure that one of them becomes the Lok Sabha Speaker. AAP emphasized that it would be beneficial for them as well as the constitution and the democracy.
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot accused on Wednesday that if BJP retains the Speaker's position, its allies TDP and JDU should brace for possible deflections of their MPs.
Session to begin on 24 June
As confirmed by the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, the 18th Lok Sabha's first session will start on the 24th of June and run through the 3rd of July. During this special 9-day session, the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker and the swearing-in of new parliament members will take place.
Meanwhile, the 264th session of Rajya Sabha will convene from 27 June to 3 July 2024. It's the first parliamentary session since 2014 that BJP returns to power with a reduced majority. President Draupadi Murmu is scheduled to address a joint meeting of both houses on 27 June.
New MPs to take the oath
She might outline the roadmap for the government for the next five years. Following the President's address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to introduce his council of ministers in parliament. During the session's first three days, newly elected MPs will take the oath and elect the Lok Sabha Speaker.
After a significant duration, the opposition holds the largest strength with more than 230 members, and with 99 MPs, Congress has already been vocally charging the government with accusations regarding the stock market scam and alleged irregularities in the NEET exams. This anticipation signals a potentially stormy upcoming parliamentary session.
