Opposition to field candidate for Speaker if denied the post of Deputy Speaker: Report

Further, the Opposition may nominate a candidate for the Speaker's position, if it fails to secure the Deputy Speaker's post for a candidate of its choice, reported India Today.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is scheduled from June 24 to July 3, with the Speaker election process starting on June 26.

In the previous Lok Sabha, BJP's Om Birla served as Speaker, but the Deputy Speaker position remained vacant.

The Opposition, infused with fresh energy by the INDIA bloc's 233 seat victory, contrasts with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which secured a third consecutive term but suffered losses in key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

With a coalition government returning after ten years, the role of the Speaker has gained renewed focus.

The Speaker's post is symbolic of the ruling party's or alliance's dominance over the Lok Sabha's legislative processes.

According to the Constitution, the Deputy Speaker performs the Speaker's duties in his absence, and is elected and maintains independence from the Speaker's authority.

The Speaker, who presides over the lower house, holds substantial influence beyond a ceremonial role.

Responsibilities include overseeing joint parliamentary sessions and determining the classification of bills, such as whether they are money bills.

The Lok Sabha committees also operate under the Speaker's purview.