'Decision To Be Taken By Govt, Political Parties': Om Birla On Lok Sabha Speaker Election

The upcoming parliamentary session, following the swearing-in of the third consecutive BJP-led NDA government, is slated to commence on June 24 and is likely to span eight days. 

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during an interview with PTI, in New Delhi. ( Image Source :PTI )

Outgoing Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday said that it is for the political parties to decide on the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The remarks come amid BJP allies Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) demanding the speaker's position in the new NDA government.

The election for the new Lok Sabha speaker is all set to occur on June 26. The upcoming parliamentary session, following the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha and the swearing-in of the third consecutive BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, is slated to commence on June 24 and is likely to span eight days. 

Amid the speculations over the Speaker's position, Birla did not comment on whether he would continue as Speaker for another term. 

"This (selection of Speaker) is a decision to be taken by the government and political parties. This is not a decision for me to take," Om Birla reportedly said, according to The Indian Express.

According to Article 93 of the Constitution, the Speaker's position becomes vacant just before the new Lok Sabha convenes for its first session. 

Meanwhile, the President will appoint a Pro-term Speaker to administer the oath of office to the newly elected Members of Parliament. Radha Mohan Singh, a former union minister and seven-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP, is likely to assume this role due to his seniority. 

When asked if a Deputy Speaker would be appointed, Birla said the decision would be taken by the government and the political parties.

The post of Deputy Speaker remained vacant in the 17th Lok Sabha, while the 16th Lok Sabha, it was held by AIADMK MP M Thambidurai. Om Birla, who served as Speaker during the 17th Lok Sabha, is a key candidate for the position.