In recent discussions, there is a disagreement about who should be the next Lok Sabha Speaker. The debate is between key NDA allies, Janata Dal (United) JD(U) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
The Opposition’s INDIA bloc had suggested that the Speaker’s post should go to one of the BJP’s NDA partners. JD(U) and TDP, however, have different opinions on this matter. JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar said his party will support any candidate chosen by the BJP. “We will support the person nominated for Speaker by the BJP,” said JD(U) leader KC Tyagi. On the other hand, TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu believes the decision should be made collectively. TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy stated, “The NDA partners will decide together who our candidate for Speaker will be. Once a consensus is reached, we will support that candidate.” Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), an ally of the INDIA bloc, said the Speaker’s post should go to either JD(U) or TDP.
The BJP won 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, which is 32 seats short of a majority. JD(U) and TDP, with their 16 and 12 seats respectively, have become important players in forming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third government.
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed concerns about potential unfair practices. “Not just TDP and JD(U), but the people of the entire country are eagerly watching the election to the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker. If BJP does not have the intention to do anything undemocratic in the future, it should give the Speaker’s post to one of its allies,” he said.
Meanwhile, the election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26. All eyes are on the decision, as it will have significant implications for the NDA and its partners.