Why NDA decided to re-nominate Om Birla for Lok Sabha Speaker’s post

In 2019, Birla was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, becoming the first MP from Rajasthan to hold the position.

The National Democratic Alliance on Tuesday re-nominated Kota MP Om Birla for the post of Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. Contrary to earlier reports of the Opposition agreeing on a consensual pick, the INDIA bloc continuing with its ‘confrontational’ attitude has decided to field K Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-time MP from Kerala, for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker, triggering an election for the top parliamentary post for the first time since 1946.

In 2019, Birla was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, becoming the first MP from Rajasthan to hold the position. His selection was seen as a surprise by many, but he has been praised for his ability to take everyone along.

Tuhin A. Sinha, National Spokesperson, BJP, responding to a question on what led to Mr. Birla’s re-nomination for the Speaker’s post, said that the decision is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and the government of the day. “The Congress by opposing every move of the incumbent government is showing that how there is a severe lack of intellectual rigor and willingness to partake in parliamentary procedures. From the issue of Pro-tem Speaker to fielding its own candidate for the Speaker’s position is reflective of “confrontational” strategy adopted since day 1 of the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.

The spokesperson also added that Mr. Birla’s exemplary performance in his first tenure should also be remembered and that played a major role in the government pinning its hopes on him for a second term.

Om Birla has been associated with the BJP since his early days as a student leader. He currently serves as an MP from the Kota-Bundi constituency in Rajasthan and was reelected for a second consecutive term in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. Previously, he served three terms as a legislator in the Rajasthan Assembly.

The Speaker’s election is scheduled for Wednesday. On Tuesday, the oath-taking process for the newly-elected MPs will continue in the House. On Monday, Prime Minister Modi and members of his Council of Ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, took the oath as MPs.