June 13th 2024.
According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to maintain its hold on the post of Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha. It is expected that a BJP MP will be elected for this important role. Responding to media reports that suggested the BJP's allies were vying for the Speaker's post, a senior party leader clarified that any decision would first be taken within the party before discussing it with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies in order to reach a consensus.
In the previous term of the Modi government, the role of Lok Sabha Speaker was held by Sumitra Mahajan, a BJP MP from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In the current term, the position was held by Om Birla, a BJP MP from Kota, Rajasthan. Despite not having a majority as in the previous terms, there were speculations that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and a Janata Dal MP were also interested in the Speaker's post.
Sources have revealed that the name of the new Lok Sabha Speaker will be discussed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Italy. In case any suggestions or demands regarding the position are raised by the allies, the BJP will consider a new formula. During the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, starting from June 24, the BJP will reach out to opposition parties in order to ensure that the Speaker is elected unanimously. However, if the opposition chooses to field their own candidate, an election for the new Speaker might take place on June 26, and the new Speaker will assume office on the same day.
On Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on social media that the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will take place from June 24 to July 3. This session will include the oath-taking of newly elected Members of Parliament, the election of Speaker, the President's Address, and discussions on it. The 264th session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3.
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