BJP set to 'retain' post of Lok Sabha Speaker

New Delhi: The BJP intends to "retain" the Speakership for the 18th Lok Sabha, with a BJP MP predicted to be elected to the position.

A senior party leader denied media allegations that the BJP's allies had asked for the position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha, stating that internal deliberations will take place before seeking agreement with NDA allies.

In the Modi government's first term, Sumitra Mahajan, a BJP MP from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, served as Lok Sabha Speaker, while in the second term, Om Birla, a BJP MP from Kota, Rajasthan, held the position.

Although the BJP does not hold a majority as it did in 2014 and 2019, speculation was rife that the TDP and a JD(U) MP were vying for the Speaker's post.

Sources indicate that the name of the new Lok Sabha Speaker will be deliberated upon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Italy.

If any suggestions or demands regarding the position arise from allies, the BJP will consider a new formula.

During the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, starting on June 24, the BJP will reach out to opposition parties to ensure the Speaker is elected unanimously. If the opposition agrees to the government's proposal, an election will not be necessary.

However, if the opposition fields its candidate, a vote for the new Speaker might take place on June 26, with the new Speaker assuming office on the same day.

On Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X, "First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President's Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24."