New Delhi: With the election of the Speaker scheduled for tomorrow amidst tense parliamentary dynamics, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken proactive steps to rally ruling alliance MPs. Shah convened a crucial meeting this evening, urging attendance by 10:30 AM tomorrow ahead of the 11 AM election.
Traditionally, Speakers have been chosen by consensus, making this upcoming election, the first in decades, particularly pivotal. However, tensions have escalated with the Opposition disputing the government’s stance on the Pro Tem Speaker and the Deputy Speaker’s posts.
Initially anticipating their senior member Mr. Suresh for the Pro Tem Speaker role, the Opposition faced resistance from the government, which has also deferred decisions on the Deputy Speaker’s post. Just moments before the deadline today, Congress nominated Mr. Suresh against BJP’s Om Birla, the former Speaker.
Current numbers indicate a favorable outlook for the ruling NDA alliance with 293 expected votes compared to the Opposition’s 232, highlighting a potential challenge for the Opposition in securing the Speaker’s seat through a simple majority vote.
A meeting at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence tonight, attended by disgruntled Trinamool Congress among others, underscores the Opposition’s united front against the ruling coalition’s majority advantage.
In response, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated appeals for consensus, emphasizing the need for unopposed Speaker election followed by discussions on the Deputy Speaker position. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi for failing to engage constructively with the Opposition, citing the absence of consultations with Mallikarjun Kharge as an affront.
As the political maneuvering intensifies, all eyes are on tomorrow’s Speaker election to gauge the balance of power in the newly constituted Lok Sabha.
