For the first time in India's parliamentary history, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declined to allocate the Deputy Speaker's position to the opposition, the INDIA-bloc. This move has led to an unprecedented election for the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, highlighting a significant shift in the political dynamics of the country.
The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, is set to elect its new Speaker on June 26, marking the beginning of the 18th Lok Sabha's inaugural session from June 24 to July 3. This election is particularly noteworthy given the current political scenario. Unlike the previous two terms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the BJP held an outright majority, the current government relies heavily on its coalition partners.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured 240 seats, falling 32 seats short of a majority in the 543-member house. Key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 16 seats and the Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) with 12 seats, have become essential to the government's stability.
The election of the Speaker is governed by Article 93 of the Constitution. The post becomes vacant just before the new Lok Sabha convenes, which in this case is on June 24. The President of India appoints a Pro-tem Speaker to administer the oath to the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs). The first two days of the session, June 24 and June 25, are dedicated to this oath-taking ceremony.
Nominations for the Speaker's election must be submitted by June 25, with the election taking place on June 26. The Speaker is elected by a simple majority, meaning the candidate who receives more than half of the votes from the members present in the house becomes the Speaker.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a critical role in the functioning of the house. Responsible for maintaining order and decorum, the Speaker decides the agenda for parliamentary meetings and permits motions, including adjournments and no-confidence motions. Additionally, the Speaker interprets and applies the rules of the house, and their decisions on procedural matters are final and cannot be challenged.
The BJP's decision to retain both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions underscores its intent to exert greater control over parliamentary proceedings, a move seen by many as a power consolidation strategy. This decision has intensified the political battle lines, with the opposition INDIA-bloc accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic norms.
Political analysts suggest that this move by the BJP could lead to heightened tensions and a more confrontational atmosphere in the Lok Sabha. The opposition, which traditionally holds the Deputy Speaker position, views this development as a significant departure from established parliamentary conventions.
As the Lok Sabha prepares for this crucial election, all eyes will be on the outcome and its implications for the functioning of the house. The BJP's reliance on its allies, coupled with its decision to monopolize key parliamentary positions, signals a new era of political maneuvering and strategic alliances in India's democracy.
The election of the new Speaker will not only set the tone for the 18th Lok Sabha but also reflect the evolving power dynamics within the country's political landscape. The decision on June 26 will be a defining moment, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for India's parliamentary democracy.