The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has criticized the Opposition for demanding the deputy Speaker’s post in the Lok Sabha. The NDA pointed out that in state assemblies where the Opposition is in power, the Deputy Speaker’s post has often been retained by the ruling party.
The NDA argued that if the Opposition truly wanted to show respect towards K Suresh for his extensive parliamentary experience, they could have nominated him for the post of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) instead. This, according to the NDA, would have been a more fitting recognition of his capabilities and experience.
From the 6th to the 16th Lok Sabha, the post of deputy Speaker was traditionally held by the Opposition. The last instance of this was during the 16th Lok Sabha when M Thambi Durai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) served as deputy Speaker, while Sumitra Mahajan from the BJP was the Speaker.
In the current 17th Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker’s post has remained vacant, although there was speculation that it might be given to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a party seen as friendly to the ruling NDA.
The BJP’s New Delhi MP, Bansuri Swaraj, expressed disappointment over the Opposition’s stance. She stated that it would have been better if the election for the deputy Speaker was conducted unanimously since the Speaker is meant to serve everyone in the Parliament. She criticized the Opposition for making their demand conditional, suggesting that it reflected a lack of respect for the institution.
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Swaraj further added that the INDI alliance (the coalition of Opposition parties) was aware that they did not have the necessary numbers to secure K Suresh’s election as Speaker. This, she implied, was a key reason behind their demand for the deputy Speaker’s post.
The debate over the deputy Speaker’s post highlights the ongoing tussle between the ruling NDA and the Opposition. While the NDA maintains that the Opposition should focus on roles that better suit their numbers and respect parliamentary traditions, the Opposition continues to push for a greater say in parliamentary affairs.
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