Understanding the Election of the Lok Sabha Speaker

The Election of the Lok Sabha Speaker: A Historical Overview

The role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha has traditionally been characterized by consensus rather than competition. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the history and the process of electing the Lok Sabha Speaker since India gained independence.

Early History and Pre-Independence Era

The position of Speaker in the Central Legislative Assembly, which was the lower house of the Imperial Legislative Council during British rule, witnessed six contested elections from 1925 to 1946:

• 1925: Vitthalbhai J Patel of the Swaraj Party won against T Rangachariar.
• 1927: Patel was re-elected unanimously but resigned after Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Civil Disobedience in 1930.
• 1930: Sir Muhammad Yakub defeated Nand Lal.
• 1933: Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola won against Hari Singh Gour but later resigned due to health issues.
• 1935: Sir Abdur Rahim prevailed over T A K Sherwani and served throughout World War II.
• 1946: G V Mavalankar emerged victorious against Cowasjee Jehangir and subsequently became the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly.

Post-Independence Era

Since India’s independence, the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker has been predominantly a process of consensus. Key instances include:

• 1952: After the inaugural general elections, Mavalankar continued as the Speaker of the newly formed Lok Sabha.
• Subsequent Elections: M A Ayyangar, G S Dhillon, Balram Jakhar, and G M C Balayogi were re-elected in later Lok Sabhas.
• M A Ayyangar: He took over as Speaker following Mavalankar's death in 1956 and was re-elected in 1957.
• G S Dhillon: Served as Speaker during the fourth and fifth Lok Sabhas, resigning during the Emergency in 1975.
• Balram Jakhar: Held the Speaker position in the seventh and eighth Lok Sabhas, completing two full terms.
• G M C Balayogi: Elected as Speaker for the 12th and 13th Lok Sabhas until his demise in 2002.

Current Scenario

The opposition INDIA bloc, which secured 233 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, is advocating for the Deputy Speaker's position, traditionally assigned to an opposition member. They are contemplating a contested election for the Speaker’s role, which would be a historic event in independent India.

• BJP’s Position: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) maintained power with 293 seats, alongside major allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (U).
• Opposition’s Strategy: The INDIA bloc is aiming for a consensus candidate and leveraging their increased strength to secure significant roles.
• Upcoming Session: The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is set to commence on June 24, where new members will take their oaths and the Speaker will be elected.

Conclusion

The position of Lok Sabha Speaker boasts a rich tradition of consensus and collaboration. The possibility of a contested election in the upcoming session signifies a notable shift from established norms, reflecting the evolving dynamics within Indian parliamentary politics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker?
Answer: The Lok Sabha Speaker is responsible for maintaining order during debates, ensuring parliamentary procedures are followed, and representing the Lok Sabha to the President and other authorities.

Q2. How is the Lok Sabha Speaker elected?
Answer: The Lok Sabha Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha through a vote, typically after the first session following a general election.

Q3. Has the Speaker's position been contested in recent elections?
Answer: Traditionally, the Speaker's position has been filled by consensus, but the current political landscape may lead to a contested election, which would be unprecedented.

Q4. Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: G V Mavalankar served as the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1952 until his death in 1956, playing a pivotal role in shaping the role.

Q5. What changes are expected in the upcoming Lok Sabha session?
Answer: The upcoming session may see a shift in traditions with the potential for a contested election for the Speaker, reflecting new political dynamics.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
A) G S Dhillon
B) Balram Jakhar
C) G V Mavalankar
D) M A Ayyangar
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which party is currently leading the NDA coalition?
A) Congress
B) BSP
C) BJP
D) TDP
Correct Answer: C