Ruling government and opposition appear to be at loggerheads again. The opposition could encounter a setback in appointment the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. This time, TMC has stepped forward independently, nominating Awadhesh Prasad from the Samajwadi Party as the candidate for the Indi Alliance. Unlike the Presidential election disappointment, Rahul Gandhi chose not to hurry this time. However, the joint nomination of Awadhesh Prasad by TMC and SP has cast doubts on the unity within the Indi Alliance.
It seems that TMC is not particularly enthusiastic about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. TMC has put Congress in a dilemma where it is unable to respond, even if it desires to. However, the main question remains whether the government will hold elections for the Deputy Speaker or assign the post to an ally. There are also signs that the Deputy Speaker’s position might remain vacant.
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears reluctant to concede the Deputy Speaker’s post to the opposition. Initially, the post will be offered to allies; otherwise, BJP will retain it, given NDA’s majority. PM Modi’s decisive approach since the formation of the NDA government indicates he operates without external pressure. From cabinet formation to departmental allocations and Lok Sabha Speaker elections, PM Modi has consistently exerted influence over the opposition.
Certain instances like, condemnation of the Emergency in the President’s address and then keeping silence in the Lok Sabha, all these things indicate that PM Modi is not going to come under pressure for now. Regardless of the opposition’s protests, the government remains steadfast and unmoved. Speaker Om Birla’s newfound outspokenness in the House suggests a direct influence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Since his reelection as Speaker, Birla’s demeanor has notably transformed, evident in his rebuke of Deepender Hooda’s suggestions and direct responses to Rahul Gandhi’s statements.
Today, when Rahul Gandhi supported Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposal for a debate on NEET, Birla asserted his authority in deciding the course of discussions. The government’s firm stance indicates that it will not yield easily to opposition pressure.
The government’s strategy, particularly its focus on condemning the Emergency, appears effective, leading Congress to pivot away from constitutional discussions. Experts predict that the opposition’s efforts to secure the post of Deputy Speaker will likely falter. Despite nominating Awadhesh Prasad, a Dalit leader from Faizabad, Congress faces a numerical disadvantage that may hinder their prospects.