Opposition Pushes for LS Deputy Speaker Role; K Suresh Emerges as Potential Candidate

Opposition parties are currently in discussions to nominate their candidate for the Lok Sabha deputy speaker post, according to party leaders familiar with the situation on Tuesday.

This development occurs on the day when parties need to submit their candidates’ notices to the pro-tem Speaker by noon today.

The election for the speaker is scheduled for June 26.

“If consensus between the government and opposition is not reached, they may nominate their candidate for the Speaker’s election. K Suresh is likely to be their nominee,” senior opposition leaders said on condition of anonymity.

Suresh, who was overlooked for the pro tem Lok Sabha speaker position, highlighted that the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker goes against the House’s established traditions, as he is the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha.

Suresh emphasized his experience, stating he has been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) eight times, whereas Mahtab has been elected seven times.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Om Birla is expected to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha speaker post on Tuesday afternoon.

If elected, he would become the second pOm Birlaerson to hold the office for a second term.