Opposition parties are gearing up to contest the Speaker’s post in the 18th Lok Sabha if the Deputy Speaker position is not allocated to them, sources revealed on Saturday. This move follows their strong performance against the BJP-led NDA in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin on June 24 and will run until July 3. The election process for the Speaker will commence on June 26.

In the 17th Lok Sabha, Om Birla of the BJP held the Speaker’s position, while the Deputy Speaker’s office remained vacant. The opposition parties, now part of the INDIA bloc, aim to secure the Deputy Speaker’s office following their victory in 233 seats. Despite forming the government for a third consecutive term, the NDA suffered losses in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

The Speaker’s role is crucial, symbolizing the ruling party’s or alliance’s control over the legislative process in the Lok Sabha. The Speaker presides over the lower house, exercises substantial influence, and oversees the functioning of the House, including deciding if a bill is a money bill. Lok Sabha committees also operate under the Speaker’s leadership.

Constitutionally, the Deputy Speaker’s office is independent and not subordinate to the Speaker. This role is vital, ensuring the legislative process continues smoothly in the Speaker’s absence.

With the coalition government returning after a decade, the importance of the Speaker’s role is again prominent, with NDA parties also eyeing the post. The outcome of this contest will be closely watched as it will impact the legislative dynamics in the upcoming Lok Sabha session.

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