BJP Eyes Lok Sabha Speaker Position, Seeks Deputy Speaker Post For NDA Allies. Rajnath Singh To Build Consensus

BJP leader Rajnath Singh is tasked with finding consensus for Lok Sabha Speaker. The Deputy Speaker's position may go to an NDA ally, with the opposition potentially fielding a joint candidate.

File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Source : PTI

The BJP has entrusted senior leader Rajnath Singh with the responsibility of building consensus over the Lok Sabha Speaker who will be from the BJP, but the Deputy Speaker can be from any of its four major allied parties. Since 2014, this is the first time that the BJP itself does not have a full majority. Traditionally, the post of Deputy Speaker has been given to a leader of the opposition. However, this time it is possible that the Deputy Speaker's post might go to a leader from the NDA, sources said.

Meanwhile, there is also discussion that if this happens, the opposition might field a joint candidate for the Deputy Speaker's position.

Earlier, sources told ABP News that the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc might field its candidate for the Speaker's position. However, if the position of the Deputy Speaker is given to the opposition, then the alliance is most likely to step back from the Lok Sabha Speaker post and will not field its candidate for it. 

This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took an oath for the third consecutive term and the National Democratic Alliance formed the government.

Lok Sabha Speaker To Be Elected On June 26

The new Lok Sabha Speaker will be elected on June 26. The Lok Sabha members can submit notices for the nomination of candidate until 12 noon on June 25, as announced by the Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday. 

On June 24, the 18th Lok Sabha will convene for the first time, with the session set to conclude on July 3. 

Thereafter, on June 27, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.  

Previously, in the last two Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party secured a majority without having to take the support of the coalition partners, which led them to dominate the Speaker position in the Lok Sabha.

However, since this time the BJP has formed a government with the help of NDA partners, the role of the Speaker in the 18th Lok Sabha is crucial, as the opposition alliance is stronger than before with 234 members in the House.