Lok Sabha Speaker: 7 MPs Still Need to Swear In. Implications for Opposition in Speaker Election

The outcome of the Speaker election depends on the number of present and voting MPs. However, some MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Deepak Adhikari, Nurul Islam, Afzhal Ansari, and two Independents, are unable to vote due to pending oath.

The reason for the delay in their oath-taking is unknown. Afzhal Ansari’s oath is delayed due to his pending court case.

If the court upholds his sentence, he will lose his parliamentary membership. The absence of these seven MPs will affect the total number of votes, potentially altering the halfway mark.

The Opposition, with 232 seats, will miss five MPs in its ranks, bringing its total down to 227. Assuming the rest vote, the majority mark will stand at 269.

The NDA, with 293 MPs, is expected to have the support of the four MPs of YSR Congress. However, Biju Janata Dal has stated that it will not support the BJP, while YSR Congress is holding to its stance.

The BJP, aiming for a victory of Om Birla in the Speaker election, is working to secure additional support from Akali Dal, Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, and Shillong MP Ricky Andrew Syngkon. In this election, unlike in the previous ones, the party is reliant on TDP and JDU to maintain a majority.

A decisive victory in the Lok Sabha is crucial for boosting morale within the party.