Om Birla vs K Suresh - Rare Election For Lok Sabha Speaker Today

On June 26, the newly-elected Members of Parliament (MP) will vote to elect the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. This crucial election sees Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Om Birla, who served as the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha, contesting against INDIA bloc leader and eight-term Congress Parliamentarian K Suresh. The election became necessary after the ruling NDA and Opposition INDIA bloc failed to reach a consensus for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker posts.

A Rare Election

Traditionally, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is appointed through a consensus between the ruling and opposition parties. The Speaker is typically from the ruling party, while the Deputy Speaker’s chair is reserved for an opposition MP to maintain a balanced House. The INDIA bloc proposed supporting the NDA candidate if the Deputy Speaker post was given to the Opposition. However, in the absence of any agreement, the Opposition decided to field K Suresh against Om Birla.

Vacant Deputy Speaker's Chair

Notably, the Deputy Speaker’s chair remained vacant during the 17th Lok Sabha and the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. During Modi’s first term, the Deputy Speaker post was allocated to BJP’s ally, AIADMK. The election of the Lok Sabha Speaker is determined by a simple majority, meaning the candidate who receives more than half of the votes from the members present in the Lok Sabha during the voting session is elected.

Om Birla, the Next Speaker

Current numbers favor the NDA candidate, Om Birla. The NDA holds 293 MPs in the Lok Sabha, and the ruling alliance is expected to gain additional support from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party’s four MPs, raising its total to 297. In contrast, the opposition INDIA bloc has at least 236 MPs and can anticipate support from smaller parties and independents. If these numbers remain steady, Om Birla is poised to become the only Lok Sabha Speaker since Balram Jakhar in 1985 to secure two full terms.

Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, part of the INDIA bloc, has not yet confirmed whether its 29 MPs will vote for K Suresh or not, although it is unlikely they will support Om Birla.

A Stronger Opposition

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the INDIA bloc has compelled an election for the Speaker’s post. Most opposition parties have issued whips to ensure full attendance. Although aware that Om Birla will likely win, the INDIA bloc, buoyed by its numbers, aims to send a strong message. Unlike the previous two terms where the BJP enjoyed a single-party majority, the current PM Modi-led government in its third term relies on its allies. The Congress-led opposition, with Rahul Gandhi as the leader of the house since June 25, holds the strongest presence in the last decade.

Confrontational Proceedings

The opposition’s decision to force an election signals a confrontational 18th Lok Sabha, contrasting with the more consensual past two terms. The first session of the Lok Sabha will conclude next week, but a significant confrontation is anticipated during the Budget session next month. With the ruling and opposition benches almost evenly matched in terms of numbers, the Speaker’s role in managing Lok Sabha proceedings will be crucial during these sessions.