BJP plans to retain Lok Sabha Speaker post, may offer deputy speaker role to allies: Sources

BJP plans to retain Lok Sabha Speaker post, may offer deputy speaker role to allies: Sources

BJP is planning to retain the coveted post of Speaker in the new Lok Sabha and is unlikely to give it to NDA partners like JD(U) or TDP, News18 reported quoting sources.

Earlier, reports had indicated that Chandrababu Naidu's TDP may bargain for the Speaker's post in the lower house since it helped BJP form the government at the Centre.

Sources added that BJP may offer the post of deputy Speaker to an ally.

A special 8-day session of Lok Sabha is slated to commence on June 24 and the election for the post of Speaker will is likely to be held on June 26. BJP's Kota MP Om Birla was the Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Sources said that Union defence minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh has been tasked to hold discussions with NDA allies regarding the Speaker's post.

The post of the Speaker is significant since the individual has several powers, including the ability to disqualify or suspend members, decide when a question can be asked, expunge unparliamentary remarks of MPs and clear Bills based on voice votes.

The Speaker also facilitates the smooth conduct of proceedings and ensures order in the House.

There was speculation that TDP or JD(U) wanted the Speaker’s post move to get protection from any possible split in their parties in the future.

According to IANS, a BJP leader - on condition of anonymity - denied reports that TDP and JD(U) had demanded the Speaker’s post and added that the matter would be first considered internally before it's discussed with allies to reach a consensus.

Earlier, JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that his party and TDP are part of the NDA and will support the candidate nominated by BJP for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker.