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Exclusive: Key for NDA’s third stint, TDP and JD(U) push case for Speaker’s post as insurance

This move, sources said, is to “insulate” the alliance partners from any possible split in the future.

chandrababu naidu, nitish kumarSources said both TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have “sounded out “ some of the other allies of the BJP regarding the Speaker post move. (FB/ PTI)

The TDP and JD(U), two parties key to the third successive stint of the NDA at the Centre, have decided to press for the post of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Sources said the two parties have already indicated to the BJP leadership that the Speaker’s post should be offered to alliance partners – TDP’s GMC Balayogi was Speaker when Atal Bihari Vajpaye was heading a coalition government in the late 1990s.

This move, sources said, is to “insulate” the alliance partners from any possible split in the future. The Speaker’s role is crucial in the anti-defection law because the time and nature of the final decision is entirely a call that can be taken by the Speaker.

Sources said both TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have “sounded out “ some of the other allies of the BJP regarding the Speaker post move.

It is not clear whether Naidu and Kumar will raise this demand officially at the NDA meeting which is to be held in New Delhi Wednesday. Both leaders are expected to attend the meeting.

On the issue of defection, even the Supreme Court has limited powers. There have been instances where allegations were made that the Speaker played a partisan role in deciding disqualification petitions. Last year, the Supreme Court gave Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar a final opportunity to hear and decide the anti-defection proceedings against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his MLAs who had broken away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, bringing down his government. The delay in hearing these petitions ensured a split in the party, allowing Shinde to stake claim and form the government in Maharashtra.

Related story: Why BJP’s top NDA partners may stay with the alliance – and why they might leave
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The post of Speaker, the constitutional and ceremonial head of the Lok Sabha, usually goes to the ruling alliance while the Deputy Speaker’s post is conventionally held by a member of the Opposition party. However, for the first time in Lok Sabha history, the 17th Lok Sabha concluded without electing a Deputy Speaker.

Have been in journalism covering national politics for 23 years. Have covered six consecutive Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in almost all the states. Currently writes on ruling BJP. Always loves to understand what's cooking in the national politics (And ventures into the act only in kitchen at home).  ... Read More

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  • janata dal united Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
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