Following the refusal of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to offer the Opposition the Deputy Speaker’s post in return for their support of the NDA’s Speaker nominee, Om Birla, was elected as the Speaker through a voice vote on Wednesday.
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, expressed his disappointment with the NDA’s decision in rejecting the tradition of appointing the Deputy Speaker from the opposition party. This decision has put the spotlight on the vacant Deputy Speaker post in the Lok Sabha since 2019.
Why the Opposition Wants the Deputy Speaker Post?
Opposition leaders are advocating for the Deputy Speaker post based on parliamentary tradition which states that the Speaker, if from the ruling party, should have a Deputy Speaker from the opposition party. This tradition, as highlighted by Congress leader Sachin Pilot, is essential for a healthy democracy.
The demand for the Deputy Speaker’s post is not just about tradition; it is about upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring a fair representation of all parties in the functioning of the Lok Sabha.
