NDA and INDIA Bloc to Compete for Speaker Post in Parliament

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General PD Thankappan Achary Explains the Process

New Delhi, India – The ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc are set to compete for the Speaker’s post in the Parliament on Wednesday. Former Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, PD Thankappan Achary, shared insights on the election process, noting that while elections for the Speaker are rare, they have occurred in the past.

Achary mentioned that the first election for the Speaker’s post took place in 1952, with Congress’ GV Malvankar contesting against CPI’s Shankar Shantaram More. The second instance was in 1976, when Congress’ BR Bhagat contested against Jan Sangh’s Jagannathrao Joshi, supported by Congress O.

He explained that the Speaker is usually chosen through an agreement between the ruling party and the opposition, but if no consensus is reached, an election is held. According to Article 93, the Speaker must be elected by the House.

Achary detailed the election process, stating that motions are moved in the House, and the Protem Speaker admits them. The first motion, typically from the government, is put to a vote. If unchallenged, the Protem Speaker announces the elected Speaker. If challenged, a vote determines the outcome.

Regarding the Deputy Speaker position, Achary noted that it is conventionally given to the opposition, though no rule mandates this. The government, holding the majority, decides whether to honor this convention.

Efforts by BJP’s top leadership to reach a consensus on the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha failed when the INDIA bloc nominated 8-time MP K Suresh. BJP’s Kota MP Om Birla, who served as Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha, also filed a nomination. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mentioned that the opposition was willing to support NDA’s Speaker candidate if the Deputy Speaker position was given to the opposition.