News Highlights: Jairam Ramesh on Lok Sabha Speaker Election says party chose consensus over division of votes

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JD(U) National Secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad says, "The opposition knew that they did not have the numbers. Then the vote division also exposed their internal knots. Jairam Ramesh said that they had not asked for the division of votes. Secondly, Abhishek Banerjee said that they had asked for it, so the knots of this alliance have started coming out. If this trend continues, then parties like TMC and Aam Aadmi Party will have to face a lot of challenges in future."

"The entire opposition congratulated Om Birla after he was elected as Lok Sabha Speaker. However, soon after this, the government sounded political bugle through the Speaker and issue of Emergency was raised. They, however, could've paid tributes to those who lost their lives in 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars or Mahatma Gandhi or Bhagat Singh," says Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Om Birla elected as Lok Sabha Speaker, says, "I congratulate (him). India is the land of democracy and democracy has won. Those who have tried to weaken democracy, those who have violated fundamental rights, those who have suppressed the voice of the press, and those who have curtailed the powers of the court, should learn a lesson from today's victory."

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "Today was a very historic day, when 50 years of the Emergency were completed, in the 18th parliament, the speaker, through this resolution, put forth the truth that Emergency was imposed only and only to save Indira Gandhi's chair. Today, after 50 years, we are dedicated, emergency will never be imposed and the Congress party should stop pretending by keeping the book of constitution."

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Om Birla being elected as Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha, says, "We always wanted to elect the Speaker with consensus but the Opposition wanted to do politics on this. Emergency is a black day for a democratic country like India. When the House was condemning the Emergency, then why was the Opposition, particularly Congress, creating a ruckus? Do they want Emergency to come back? Are they supporting Emergency?"

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "It has been a rather dramatic start to the session because you had all Opposition leaders standing up and saying that they hope that the Speaker would conduct the House in a manner that is fair to all Opposition parties and that would take everyone's point of view into account and give everyone's voice and opportunity to be heard. What we saw was the Speaker, unfortunately, raising a matter that had not been discussed in the House and in a manner that came across as confrontational which was not the right note on which to start the session. But we will have to see how things proceed. As far as we are concerned, the attitude of Opposition parties was well expressed by Rahul Gandhi as Leader of Opposition when he said that we want people's voice to be heard in this House and that is what we are here for. This was not the right way to do. The Speaker could well have benefitted from actually allowing this kind of discussion to take place and then come up with a conclusion rather than imposing the conclusion on the House immediately."

Speaker has recognised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha with effect from June 9, 2024.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on election of Lok Sabha Speaker that took place today, says, "I am telling you formally, we didn't ask for division of votes. We didn't ask for it because we found it appropriate that there be a consensus on the first day, that there be an atmosphere of consensus on the first day. This was a constructive step from our end. We could have asked for division (of votes)."

On Lok Sabha Speaker election, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "The member who moves the motion, will have to request formally for the division of votes. Any other member raising and demanding has no meaning. The person who moves the motion will have to ask for division. They did not ask formally, that is why there was no division of votes. But we were ready for vote because we have the numbers."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "On 26th June 1975, the then PM Indira Gandhi called emergency cabinet meeting and ratified post-facto, the PM took the decision alone. That is why today we passed the resolution in the House that such trampling, demolition of Constitution will not be allowed again. So, we have taken a resolution."

Parliament is adjourned till 11am tomorrow.

On BJP MP Om Birla elected as the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "As far as the election is concerned, when the Parliamentary traditions were disregarded, we registered our protest in a democratic manner - that the Deputy Speaker should be from Opposition. They didn't do it. As far as division (of votes) is concerned, why did the ruling side and its allies not demand it?"

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says "This House strongly condemns the decision to impose Emergency in 1975. Along with this, we appreciate the determination of all those people who opposed the Emergency, fought and fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the democracy of India. 25th June 1975 will always be known as a black chapter in the history of India. On this day, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country and attacked the Constitution made by Baba Saheb Ambedkar. India is known all over the world as the mother of democracy. Democratic values ​​and debate have always been supported in India. Democratic values ​​have always been protected, they have always been encouraged. Dictatorship was imposed on such an India by Indira Gandhi. The democratic values ​​of India were crushed and freedom of expression was strangled."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Rahul Gandhi being elected as the LoP in the Lok Sabha, says, "As Rahul Gandhi is elected the Leader of Opposition, not just the Congress but the whole Opposition is filled with energy. Rahul Gandhi has always challenged this government and fought for transparency. The hopes of the Opposition have increased. The tradition is that if the Speaker is chosen without an election, then the Deputy Speaker is of the Opposition. This government is an alliance government. The NDA has formed the government but no one knows what will happen in the future. The government has been formed with the help of two big partners. It is difficult what situation will be formed in the future."

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on NDA protest on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, says, "Those who speak for the Constitution the most should also take the responsibility. They are gathering votes in the name of their father and grandmother, so will they take responsibility for their deeds? They should see their own track record of how the democracy was choked."

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Rahul Gandhi elected as the LoP in Lok Sabha, says, "It is delightful that after 10 years, the Lok Sabha has a Leader of Opposition officially. It is a serious matter that Rahul Gandhi decided to handle this position. I hope that in the time to come, the entire INDIA Alliance will put the required pressure on the Government that is needed for the constructive proceedings of the House. We also hope that the Speaker will take the new equations of the House under cognisance and work."

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on NDA protest on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, says, "A lot of water has flown in the Ganga since 1975. Indira Gandhi had expressed regret over it (Emergency). She was defeated in the 1977 election. The BJP must stop driving a car only by looking at the rearview mirror. It's quite surprising why the treasury benches are protesting. If they want to protest, they can come to the Opposition and give us an opportunity... We will gladly take it. This is not the way to start a new term. The issue of the Emergency is done and dusted. We should talk about the strangulation of institutions today. These are the things we should be talking about instead of always looking at something which happened about 45-48 years ago."

BJP MP Sambit Patra on NDA protest on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, says, "The whole nation is protesting today. This day is an important day in the minds of the people of India. 49 years ago today, the Emergency was imposed by Indira Gandhi. Around one and a half lakh people were jailed. 42nd amendment was brought into the Consitution of India. It is important to show the mirror to Rahul Gandhi who speaks about saving the Constitution."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets "I would like to congratulate Om Birla on being elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second time. The House will benefit greatly from his insights and experience. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets "I am glad that the Speaker strongly condemned the Emergency, highlighted the excesses committed during that time and also mentioned the manner in which democracy was strangled. It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days. The Emergency was imposed 50 years ago but it is important for today's youth to know about it because it remains a fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed. The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like."

"We hope that he (Om Birla) will be fair in the House. But, PM Modi did not follow the convention. As per the convention, the post of Deputy Speaker has been for opposition. It would have been better, if he had given it," says Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra on Om Birla being elected as Lok Sabha Speaker.

"The rule says that if any member of the House asks for division, the protem Speaker in this case has to allow for a division. You can clearly see and hear from the footages of Lok Sabha that several members of the opposition camp sought for a division to put the motion to vote, and the motion was adopted without the motion to vote. This is a clear testament to the fact that the ruling dispensation, here in the case is the BJP, doesn't have the numbers. This government is running without the numbers, it's illegal, immoral, unethical, and unconstitutional," says TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee after Om Birla was elected Lok Sabha Speaker with a voice vote.

"Speaker may allow division or may not allow division. Since the majority appears to be in favour of the candidate who has been nominated by BJP, he should have allowed division (voting) in this case; he has not allowed. In Vidhan Sabha also, the rule prescribes that if anybody demands division (voting), then there should be division (voting)," says West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee after Om Birla was elected Lok Sabha Speaker with a voice vote.

"NDA did not have the numbers, and at least eight members asked them for a division... its video has emerged... but they finished with ayes! It is clear that the democracy is being strangled," says TMC MP Kirti Azad on election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker.

"It is strange that the Congress party is showing the Constitution in Parliament and has forgot its own history that 50 years ago, the Congress party, for power, and Indira Gandhi, for her political selfishness, had murdered the democracy and imposed Emergency in India. Congress should apologise for Emergency," says BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj.

"Everyone knows that the NDA is firmly running the government. It's the opposition who needs to afraid because many of their MPs were in touch with us... possibly if there was a division, then they would have voted for us," says Union Minister Chirag Paswan on opposition protest over election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker.

"How can division happen through voice vote? Even we wanted a division, but the Congress itself accepted the voice vote in a minute," says JD(U) MP Lalan Singh on election of Lok Sabha Speaker through voice vote.

"It is strange that the Congress party is showing the Constitution in Parliament and has forgot its own history that 50 years ago, the Congress party, for power, and Indira Gandhi, for her political selfishness, had murdered the democracy and imposed Emergency in India. Congress should apologise for Emergency," says BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj.

"NDA did not have the numbers, and at least eight members asked them for a division... its video has emerged... but they finished with ayes! It is clear that the democracy is being strangled," says TMC MP Kirti Azad on election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker.

- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday hoped that there will be criticism and disagreement in the House but no disruptions.

- While thanking the House on being elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker for the second consecutive term, Birla said he will work to uphold the high standards of Parliamentary traditions.

- "Treasury and opposition benches run the House together, the strength of Indian democracy is in listening to everyone, and running the House with everyone's agreement. I will expect that I run the House with everyone's agreement. Even if there is lone member from a party, they should get sufficient time," Birla said.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot hails Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Here's what he said. "The working committee had requested Rahul Gandhi to take up Leader of Opposition position. He accepted. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi nominated Rahul Gandhi for the position. Congress workers, entire Opposition and INDIA alliance are feeling energised on Rahul Gandhi becoming LoP. He has always challenged the government and fought for people for transparency inside and outside the Parliament. The expectation of Opposition has increased, people hope's has increased. People are having hope for fight for truth. The entire country expects him to be their voice. It will strengthen the thought of love, peace, brotherhood."

"I express my gratitude to all of you for giving me an opportunity to fulfill my duties as the Speaker of the House. I am indebted to the prime minister and leaders of all the parties and members of Parliament for expressing trust on me," says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

"I believe Om Birla will prove to be good Speaker this time too. Unfortunately, the Congress, due to its arrogance, tried to break the convention of having a Speaker with consensus," says BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says "This 18th Lok Sabha is the world's largest celebration of democracy. Despite other challenges, more than 64 crore voters participated in the elections with great enthusiasm. On behalf of the House, I express my gratitude to them and the people of the country. I thank the Election Commission for conducting the election process in a fair, unbiased and transparent manner and for the efforts made by them to ensure that even a single vote is cast in remote areas. The NDA government has been formed for the third consecutive term under the leadership of PM Modi. In the last decade, the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the people have increased. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to make collective efforts to fulfil their expectations and aspirations in an effective manner..."

I will try my best to allow all the members to keep their voices before the House: Om Birla

I will try my best to be non-partisan. I will try my best to facilitate meaningful dialogues: Om Birla

I request all the parliamentarians to help me in running the house and enable smooth functioning: Om Birla

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, "...There is a tradition. We didn't oppose but there is a tradition that election should not be held. We showed them that we will stand facing you; we are doing that. We didn't ask for division (of votes) and Om Birla was elected in a very peaceful manner. Why is Om Birla being opposed? He is the same Lok Sabha Speaker because suspended more than 100 MPs at once. This didn't happen during Emergency." He also says, "Deputy Speaker post should go to the Opposition. Discussions are going on and it will happen."

Here's what JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said on election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker.

"We want to congratulate him from JD(U). It was good that he was elected from voice vote. His earlier five-year term as Speaker was good. He will also be operating well now. There should not have been a controversy on Deputy Speaker. Anyways, it is good that everything ended on a good note."

On Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says "I congratulate Om Birla as he has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In the last 5 years, he has conducted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha in a brilliant manner and provided the opportunity to both, the ruling party and the opposition leaders to speak in the Parliament. This new Parliament which has been formed under the leadership of PM Modi is a big achievement. It will set new records, strengthen the resolve of Viksit Bharat and there will be a healthy debate inside the Parliament..."

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, "I congratulate you...You are the repository and custodian of this House...so, I urge you to give opportunities to small parties...I am confident that this Government will reduce your burden by having a Deputy Speaker. You should not be burdened a lot...The character of this House has changed, now the BJP will not be able to do steamroll..."

"As per the Constitution, we can nominate opposition leader for Speaker. That's why we nominated our candidate for the constitutional post. We knew that we don't have the numbers but it was necessary to remind them that we won't let them do whatever they please," says Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Om Birla on his re-election as Lok Sabha Speaker, expressing confidence that he will guide parliamentarians and play a big role in the House fulfilling people's expectations.

- Modi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were joined by the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in escorting Birla, the BJP MP from Kota, to the Speaker's chair after his election, marking a moment of bipartisan harmony after a day of rancour between the ruling alliance and opposition parties over the poll.

- The House elected Birla with a voice vote after opposition parties fielded Congress member K Suresh as its choice for the post.

- Congratulating him on his fresh term on behalf of the entire House, the prime minister lauded the third-term MP for his conduct as Speaker in the previous Lok Sabha and also as a parliamentarian.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "...I congratulate you and extend you best wishes on behalf of all my colleagues. The post that you are occupying has glorious traditions attached to it. We believe that this will continue without any discrimination and as Lok Sabha Speaker you will give equal opportunities and respect to every member and party. Impartiality is a great responsibility of this great position...We expect that no public representative's voice will be stifled, nor will an action like expulsion take place again. Your control is on the Opposition but it should be on the ruling side too. The House should function on your signals and not the other way round. We stand with all your just decisions...I hope that you would respect Opposition as much as you respect the ruling dispensation and let them present their side..."

In his first address to Lok Sabha as the leader of opposition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the results of the recent Lok Sabha elections have shown that the people of India expect the opposition to defend the Constitution of India. Read more here.

Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi says "We are confident that by allowing the Opposition to speak, by allowing us to represent the people of India, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India. I'd like to once again congratulate you and also all the members of the House who have won their election"

"I would like to congratulate you for your successful election for the second time that you have been elected. I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire opposition, on behalf of the INDIA alliance. Speaker sir, this House represents the voice of India's people, and you are the final arbiter of that voice. Of course, the government has political power but the opposition also represents the voice of India's people," says Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi in the House after Om Birla was elected as Lok Sabha Speaker.

- Hope the House will function without discrimination, says Akhikesh Yadav

- We expect voice of opposition will not be crushed and there will be no more expulsions: SP leader Akhilesh Yadav in LS

- We will stand by all your just decisions and expect that it won't just be the opposition under check: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to LS speaker

- Congratulate you on behalf of entire opposition and INDIA alliance: Rahul Gandhi on Om Birla's election as LS speaker

- Opposition also represents voice of India, would like to assist in the functioning of the Lok Sabha: Rahul Gandhi

- India expects opposition to defend the Constitution: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The works that didn't happen during 70 years of independence, were made possible by this House under your chairmanship. Several milestones come in the long journey of democracy. A few occasions are such when we receive the opportunity to establish milestones. I am very confident that the country will be proud of the achievements of the 17th Lok Sabha..."

BJP nominee Om Birla was elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker once again pn Wednesday. The NDA candidate was poised to retain the Speaker’s post as the numbers were in favour of the ruling coalition. Read more here.

Your sweet smile keeps the entire House happy: PM Modi to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Birla's work as parliamentarian should be inspiration for new Lok Sabha members: PM Modi

I congratulate you on behalf of entire House and look forward to your guidance for next five years: PM Modi to LS Speaker Om Birla

BJP MP Om Birla elected as Lok Sabha Speaker.

PM Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju congratulate Om Birla on being elected as Lok Sabha Speaker.

Matter of honour that you have been elected to this chair for second time: PM Modi on Om Birla's election as LS speaker

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju thanks BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab for carrying out the duties of the Protem Speaker.

BJP MP Om Birla has been elected as the Speaker of 18th Lok Sabha.

BJP MP Om Birla occupies the Chair of Lok Sabha Speaker after being elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accompany him to the Chair.

BJP's Kota MP Om Birla has been re-elected as the Speaker of Lok Sabha after winning a rare election against the opposition candidate and Kerala Congress MP K Suresh. He won by voice vote.

Birla will now serve his second term as Speaker. Congress's Balram Jakhar is the only MP who completed two full terms as the Lok Sabha Speaker. Read more here.

BJP MP Om Birla elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant moves motion for the election of Congress MP K. Suresh as the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

TMC to support Opposition candidate K Suresh for post of Lok Sabha Speaker: Sources (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi moves motion for the election of BJP MP Om Birla as the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

"There has been no discussion (between government and opposition). Election is going to happen that is why we have filed nomination," says Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on election for Lok Sabha Speaker's post.

Here's what JMM leader Mahua Majhi said on Speaker election scheduled to happen today.

"INDIA alliance has nominated a Dalit leader. K Suresh is an eight-time MP. If he would have been made the Deputy Speaker, then there would not have been any controversy. In the last 5 years, there was no deputy speaker. It has been a tradition to choose Deputy Speaker from the Opposition. The Opposition is strong this time. When they were adamant to not choose Deputy Speaker from the Opposition, we had no option but to go for election. They are choosing a seven-time MP when we have an eight-time MP. I extend my good wishes to Rahul Gandhi as a Leader of Opposition."

On Lok Sabha Speaker election, Union Minister Anupriya Patel says, "The Opposition has fielded their candidate but NDA candidate is Om Birla Ji and we are sure (he will win). We have the numbers, this election is symbolic. Om Birla will be the Speaker for the second consecutive time and he will lead the 18th Lok Sabha assmebly..."

On Lok Sabha Speaker election, Union Minister Anupriya Patel says, "The Opposition has fielded their candidate but NDA candidate is Om Birla Ji and we are sure (he will win). We have the numbers, this election is symbolic. Om Birla will be the Speaker for the second consecutive time and he will lead the 18th Lok Sabha assmebly..."

"We want a unanimous choice. We waited for government's decision. Outside, the PM is saying that they want cooperation from the government, but in spirit it is not happening. The opposition wants to give a message," says Congress MP KC Venugopal.

On Lok Sabha Speaker election, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "BJP is responsible for this. The elections are taking place due to its lust for power and its intentions to bulldoze democracy. Had the traditions, the norms been followed, the Speaker post would have gone to the BJP unopposed and Deputy Speaker post would have gone to Congress and INDIA Alliance. But BJP doesn't believe in democracy. It broke that tradition. so this will be our democratic protest. We will not let them win just like that, we will raise our voice for the democratic tradition."

Here's what Congress MP K Suresh said on being asked whether he will withdraw his nomination for Speaker post if NDA makes an offer before election today.

"Of course, we are ready to withdraw. But, I don't think they (NDA) are giving any offer before the election of Speaker because their demand was to get support for Speaker and discuss the post of Deputy Speaker later. That is not a satisfactory reply from the NDA leadership."

INDIA bloc's candidate for the Lok Sabha Speaker post, Congress MP K. Suresh says, "Number is not an issue but the only thing is the convention - the ruling party, the NDA has broken the convention. That is why, we are fighting (the election)."

On Rahul Gandhi being elected as the LoP in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP K. Suresh says, "A strong Opposition will be there in the 18th Lok Sabha under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. So, we will fight against the undemocratic ways of this government."

- BJP MPs have criticized the Opposition for deviating from Parliamentary norms by setting a "give and take" condition for their support to the NDA candidate for Speaker. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale countered this by acknowledging the Opposition's democratic right to field a candidate. He emphasized that despite this, the NDA holds a numerical advantage in Parliament, hinting at confidence in securing victory for their candidate in the upcoming election.

- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah had a conversation with the leaders of the Opposition but they had a pre-condition to support our candidate for the Speaker. They [Opposition] are going to contest against us although we have the numbers, but this is against the Parliamentary traditions."

- In post-independence India, this will be the third Lok Sabha Speaker election. The Lok Sabha Speaker elections of 1976 and 1952 took place before this.

- The opposition and the ruling NDA were unable to come to an agreement, thus both blocs submitted nominees for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker.

The Opposition's decision to nominate K Suresh for the position of Lok Sabha Speaker followed intense negotiations with the NDA. Tensions arose primarily over the appointment of the deputy Speaker, with the I.N.D.I.A bloc insisting on securing this position in exchange for their support to the NDA candidate for Speaker. Efforts to reach a consensus, including discussions initiated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with senior Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, ultimately failed due to the deadlock over the deputy Speaker's post. This impasse led to the Opposition putting forward K Suresh as their candidate for Speaker, setting the stage for a contested election in Parliament.

- The stage is set for a significant showdown in Parliament today as both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition's I.N.D.I.A bloc have put forth their candidates for the position of Lok Sabha Speaker.

- This marks a departure from the usual consensus-based appointment, with BJP MP Om Birla seeking re-election for his second term against Congress MP K Suresh nominated by the Opposition. Ahead of the voting, both the BJP and Congress have issued three-line whips to ensure their MPs' presence during the session starting at 11 AM.

Om Birla is poised to secure a second term as Lok Sabha Speaker due to the NDA's majority in the 543-member house. With 293 MPs, the NDA holds a significant advantage over the Opposition, which has 234 legislators. Om Birla, who first entered Lok Sabha in 2014 and was unanimously elected as Speaker in the 17th Lok Sabha, appears set to retain his position.

Om Birla, the 17th Lok Sabha Speaker, was chosen by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He would probably be the fourth person to lead the Lower House for a second term. Kodikunnil Suresh, the most experienced lawmaker of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), submitted his nomination few minutes before the 12pm deadline.

After unsuccessful negotiations between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the opposition's INDIA group, BJP MP Om Birla and Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh submitted their candidature for the Lok Sabha Speaker election on Tuesday. The Lok Sabha is going to hold an election for the Speaker's position for the first time in fifty years.