Kodikunnil Suresh To Be Pro-Tem Speak In Lok Sabha As Opposition Eyes Dy Speaker Post

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and Mavelikkara MP Kodikunnil Suresh all set to become the pro-tem speaker of the Lok Sabha. Sunil is chosen for the post for being the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha. The newly-elected MPs would take oath before the pro-tem Speaker. Suresh became an MP for the straight eighth term and his fourth undisputed win from Mavelikkara - a record in itself from Kerala.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will commence from June 24 where new members of the House will take oath and a Speaker will be elected. As per the rulebook, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will move the motion of election for the Speaker on June 26. Post that, President Droupadi Murmu will preside over a joint sitting of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on June 27.

Since India gained independence in 1947, Lok Sabha Speakers have always been elected via consensus - something which will soon be challenged. This dates back to August 24, 1954, when Vitthalbhai Patel narrowly won against T Rangachariar as the first-ever Speaker election of independent India. Patel's victory marked a turning point as the first non-official member to assume the prestigious chair.

Ever since, Speaker appointments have largely been governed by consensus, with exceptions being GS Dhillon, MA Ayyangar, GMC Balayogi, and Balram Jakhar who retained their tenures via consecutive terms. Interestingly, Jakhar completed two full terms as Speaker - a record in parliamentary history.

All eyes will on Suresh on June 24 as the 18th Lok Sabha prepares for its inaugural session, reported Mathrubhumi. His key role will set the stage for the final election of the Speaker - scheduled for June 26 - where PM Modi will move the motion in accordance with the rule.

Meanwhile, the spirited up INDIA bloc reportedly has its eyes set on securing the Deputy Speaker post - a post traditionally held by the Opposition. Temperatures in the Lok Sabha might rise as discussions over the possibility of a Speaker election takes precedence, a unique scenario since India gained independence.

With 233 Lok Sabha seats in its kitty, INDIA bloc will press the ruling NDA, which is composed allies like TDP and JDU. Both JDU and TDP find themselves at crossroads as the Opposition is urging them to stake claim for the Speaker's chair - feared by a potential horse trading move by the BJP in future.

"We will force a contest for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker if the government does not agree to have an Opposition leader as Deputy Speaker," a senior Congress leader said.

The towering halls of the Central Legislative Assembly gives us the glimpse of the past contests for the Speaker's post. With instances of Sir Mohd Yakub's victory in 1930 and GV Malvankar's narrow victory margin in 1946, the countdown for Kodikunnil Suresh's role as pro-tem Speaker will be of critical importance.