Lok Sabha Speaker Elections scheduled for June 26; Opposition urges NDA allies TDP and JD(U) to contest

The elections for the Lok Sabha Speaker will take place on June 26, two days after the new Parliament session begins on June 24. This session marks the start of the 18th Lok Sabha and will be the first for MPs elected in the 2024 general elections.

An official statement indicates that the Parliament session might end on July 3, depending on government business needs. During this session, all elected Lok Sabha MPs will take their oaths.

President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on June 27, following the election of the new Speaker. Her address will outline the government’s plans for the next five years.

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Opposition's strategy

Traditionally, the Lok Sabha Speaker is elected at the first meeting of the new MPs. Until a new Speaker is chosen, the most experienced MP typically serves as the pro-tem Speaker, overseeing initial sessions and the Speaker election.

So far, the government hasn't named a candidate for the Speaker position. However, opposition parties are encouraging NDA allies JD(U) and TDP to nominate their own candidates.

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On Monday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) urged TDP and JD(U) to ensure the Speaker is from one of their parties. They argued this would benefit the Constitution and democracy. Congress, Shiv Sena (UBP), and other members of the INDIA bloc have echoed this sentiment.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot warned that if the BJP retains the Speaker post, TDP and JD(U) might face horse-trading of their MPs.