As the deadline to withdraw nominations passes, political parties are increasing their campaign efforts in preparation for the upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha, MPs recently took their oaths with slogans such as "Jai Samvidhan" and "Jai Bhim" being shouted. Additionally, the importance of a non-partisan approach from the Speaker in ensuring smooth House functioning is being emphasized, with the home minister also criticizing the past regime's centralization of power under one person.
The recently elected Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla, has a rare distinction of being elected for a second consecutive term by a voice vote. However, this year saw a contested election for the Lok Sabha Speaker post between Birla and the INDIA bloc's nominee, Kodikunnil Suresh. This article provides a comprehensive understanding of who a Lok Sabha Speaker is, their role and responsibilities, appointment process, and a list of previous Speakers. With vast powers and responsibilities, the Speaker acts as an interpreter of constitutional provisions, presides over joint sessions, maintains order and decorum, and has the authority to cast a vote in case of a tie.
On the third day of the 18th Lok Sabha, Om Birla of the Bharatiya Janata Party was elected as the Speaker of the House through a voice vote, defeating opposition candidate Kodikkunil Suresh of the Congress. This was a rare contest for the Speaker post as the NDA government and the INDIA group of opposition parties could not reach a consensus. However, Mr. Birla had the majority with the support of the NDA and YSRCP. After his election, he was escorted to the Chair by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Om Birla, a three-time MP from Rajasthan's Kota-Bundi, has filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha Speaker's post after being announced as the NDA's official candidate. If elected, Birla will become the first BJP leader to serve as Speaker for two consecutive terms. This decision has been met with a consensus among the opposition parties, with Congress MP K Suresh being announced as their candidate for the same. With Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also hailing from Rajasthan, the state will hold the top posts in both Houses of the Parliament.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking re-election from the Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh. The list includes 195 candidates, including two former chief ministers and Lok Sabha Speaker, and 34 Union Ministers. The party finalized the names during a meeting chaired by PM Modi, with the surprising inclusion of only one BJP MP from Delhi receiving a party ticket for the upcoming elections.