The post of Speaker of the Lok Sabha has historically seen consensus rather than contest. Here’s a detailed look at the history and process of electing the Lok Sabha Speaker since India’s independence.
EARLY HISTORY AND PRE-INDEPENDENCE ERA
The post of Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the Imperial Legislative Council in British India, was contested six times between 1925 and 1946:
• 1925: Vitthalbhai J Patel of the Swaraj Party won the first election against T Rangachariar. • 1927: Patel was re-elected unanimously but resigned in 1930 after Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Civil Disobedience. • 1930: Sir Muhammad Yakub won against Nand Lal. • 1933: Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola won against Hari Singh Gour, but later resigned due to health issues. • 1935: Sir Abdur Rahim won against T A K Sherwani and held the position through World War II. • 1946: G V Mavalankar won the last contest against Cowasjee Jehangir and later became the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly.
POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA
Since India’s independence, the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker has been a process marked by consensus. Here are notable instances:
• 1952: After the first general elections, Mavalankar continued as the Speaker of the newly constituted Lok Sabha. • Subsequent Elections: M A Ayyangar, G S Dhillon, Balram Jakhar, and G M C Balayogi were re-elected in subsequent Lok Sabhas. • M A Ayyangar: Became Speaker following Mavalankar’s death in 1956 and was re-elected in 1957. • G S Dhillon: Served as Speaker of the fourth and fifth Lok Sabhas, resigning during the Emergency in 1975. • Balram Jakhar: Served as Speaker of the seventh and eighth Lok Sabhas, completing two full terms. • G M C Balayogi: Elected as Speaker of the 12th and 13th Lok Sabhas until his death in 2002.
CURRENT SCENARIO
The opposition INDIA bloc, having won 233 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, is demanding the post of Deputy Speaker, traditionally held by an opposition member. They are also considering forcing an election for the Speaker’s post, which would be the first such instance in independent India if it occurs.
BJP’s Position:
• The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power with 293 seats, with major allies including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (U).
Opposition’s Strategy:
• The INDIA bloc is pushing for a consensus candidate and leveraging their increased strength to secure key positions.
Upcoming Session:
• The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha begins on June 24, where new members will take oath, and the Speaker will be elected.
CONCLUSION
The post of Lok Sabha Speaker has a rich history of consensus and collaboration. The potential for a contested election in the upcoming session marks a significant departure from tradition, highlighting the evolving dynamics in Indian parliamentary politics.
SRIRAM’S
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