The post of Deputy Speaker in the 18th Lok Sabha is expected to remain vacant, leading to speculation that opposition parties may consider nominating a candidate for the position of Speaker. This development follows BJP’s Om Birla, who previously held the Speaker’s office in the 17th Lok Sabha, winning from Kota in the recent parliamentary elections.
The election for the Speaker’s post is scheduled to take place on June 26, as announced in an official statement from the Lok Sabha. The opposition’s INDIA bloc, despite gaining 233 seats in the recent polls, was unable to form a majority government, resulting in the return of the NDA to power for a third consecutive term. However, the opposition parties are keen on securing the Speaker’s position, as it represents a significant degree of influence over the legislative process in the Lok Sabha.
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence on June 24 and conclude on July 3, with the primary purpose of administering the oath or affirmation to newly elected members. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has confirmed this schedule, adding that President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on June 27.
The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha, which was the Budget session, took place between January 31 and February 10, 2024. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also begin on June 27 and run until July 3.
