New Delhi: With the changed composition of the new Lok Sabha, the BJP is working to build a consensus for the election of the Speaker’s post among alliance partners and the Opposition by deploying Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, one of its senior-most leaders.
The Special Session, which convenes on July 24, will focus on swearing in the newly elected members of Parliament and electing the Speaker. Opposition leaders from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc are set to meet this week to discuss their candidate for Speaker, with Congress sources suggesting a Dalit and/or woman candidate might emerge.
BJP sources indicated that Singh has been tasked with reaching out to various leaders to ensure a smooth election for the Speaker’s post, a position the BJP is keen to secure. Despite this effort, it seems unlikely that the government will convene an all-party meeting for this special session, according to a senior party leader.
Although the BJP has not disclosed potential candidates, the possibility of outgoing Speaker Om Birla retaining his position remains. On Sunday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Birla at his residence, further fueling speculation.
The new numbers in the House also mean that for the first time, there will be a Deputy Leader, and the Congress will have the Leader of the Opposition post.
Once the House convenes on June 24, a pro-tem Speaker will be elected to conduct the swearing-in of new members. Senior MPs within the NDA, such as Faggan Singh Kulaste, Radha Mohan Singh, Bhatruhari Mahtab, and Mansukhbhai Vasava, are potential candidates. In the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, senior names include Kodikunnil Suresh and TR Baalu.
On June 26, the Prime Minister will propose the NDA’s candidate for Speaker, likely seconded by up to 10 BJP leaders, including Singh. Following the Speaker’s election, Rijiju will thank the pro-tem Speaker, and the new Speaker will begin conducting the House. The Prime Minister is expected to address the House after the election.
An NDA party meeting is scheduled for June 22 or 23. This term, the BJP has 240 MPs and is relying on its allies—TDP and JDU, with 16 and 12 MPs respectively—to reach the majority mark.
