Two-time BJP MP Om Birla was named as NDA's nominee for the Lok Sabha speaker's post on Tuesday, 18 June .
Once nominated, Birla, who won from Kota-Bundi parliamentary seat in Rajasthan, will easily become the speaker as the NDA has a clear majority in the Lower House.
A notice has been given to the Lok Sabha Secretariat by the BJP, proposing Birla for the post and bringing a motion for his election. The motion has been backed by all NDA allies, including AIADMK, as well parties like YSR Congress Party and Biju Janata Dal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed Birla’s name for the post, party sources revealed.
The election for the post is scheduled for Wednesday.
The Opposition has not yet announced any candidate for the post. Tuesday is the last day to file nomination.
Birla, 57, has been MLA from Rajasthan thrice and MP twice.
If elected, he will succeed eight-term MP Sumitra Mahajan as Lok Sabha speaker.
“OP Birla Ji is an old friend. I felt very good that he has been selected as NDA’s candidate for Lok Sabha speaker. He has earlier served as treasurer of Indian Parliamentary Group. I have faith that he will handle his responsibilities at Lok Sabha very well.”Sumitra Mahajan
Meanwhile, the Congress and the UPA allies have decided to support the candidature of Om Birla as the Speaker of Lok Sabha, party leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Tuesday, but remained silent on the issue of Deputy Speaker, reported PTI.
Usually, seniority is considered for Lok Sabha speaker's post but there have been instances when first-time and second-time lawmakers were elected to the chair.
Manohar Joshi, who was elected as Lok Sabha speaker in 2002, was then a first-time MP. He had succeeded GMC Balayogi, a second-time MP who died in a helicopter crash.
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