In an unprecedented move, BJP MP Om Birla and Congress MP K Suresh have filed nominations for the Lok Sabha Speaker election, marking the first-ever contested election for the position. Talks between the ruling NDA and the Opposition’s INDI Alliance to reach a consensus failed, leading to this historic development.
The Opposition had initially agreed to support Om Birla, backed by the government, on the condition that the Deputy Speaker’s post would be given to a member of the INDIA bloc. However, negotiations broke down as both sides could not finalize an agreement before the nomination deadline.
Earlier today, Union Minister Rajnath Singh made efforts to bridge the gap, but discussions ended inconclusively. Opposition leaders KC Venugopal and TR Baalu walked out of talks, citing the government’s non-commitment to granting the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Opposition.
K Suresh, a senior Dalit leader from Kerala, won his eighth consecutive Lok Sabha election recently and was nominated by the INDI. The Opposition strongly advocated for him to be appointed as the deputy Speaker, emphasizing his seniority and experience.
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed disappointment, highlighting the Opposition’s willingness to support the government-backed candidate if their demand for the deputy Speaker’s post was met. He criticized Prime Minister Modi, alleging a lack of constructive cooperation and accusing the government of neglecting parliamentary norms.
With the election set to proceed without consensus, the upcoming days will reveal the outcome of this unprecedented contest for the position of Lok Sabha Speaker, showcasing the dynamics of cooperation and contention between the ruling alliance and the Opposition in India’s parliamentary democracy.
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