New Delhi: Government sources announced on Thursday that the 18th Lok Sabha will appoint a Deputy Speaker, a post that remained vacant in the previous Lok Sabha. Despite the Opposition bloc's demand for the Deputy Speaker's position in accordance with convention, the ruling NDA has not agreed to this request.
In the 16th Lok Sabha, AIADMK’s M. Thambidurai served as Deputy Speaker under Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. With Speaker Om Birla re-elected on Wednesday, attention has now shifted to who will serve as his deputy.
The Opposition had nominated Congress MP K. Suresh for the Speaker’s post, but the NDA's majority ensured Om Birla's re-election. Now, the Opposition is strategising for the Deputy Speaker role and is expected to formally request that the position be filled soon. Although the BJP-led NDA has yet to announce a candidate, sources indicate that the appointment will be made shortly. There is speculation that the position might be given to an NDA ally, with previous reports suggesting TD’s interest. However, the TD has stated it will support the BJP's decision.
Under Article 95(1), the Deputy Speaker assumes the Speaker's duties when the position is vacant and holds the same general powers when presiding over the House.
