New Delhi: Springing a surprise BJP has decided to nominate two times MP from Kota in Rajasthan Om Birla as the new Lok Sabha Speaker. According to party sources, the decision has been taken at the party level and all NDA constituents have been sounded of the move.
The ruling combine with 353 members in the Lower House have overwhelming majority to ensure the victory of Mr Birla as NDA nominee for the coveted Lok Sabha Speaker's post.
Though a comparative greenhorn as a lawmaker in Lok Sabha, Mr Birla has served as a legislator in Rajasthan assembly for three terms between 2003 and 2014. First elected to the Lok Sabha only in 2014, Mr Birla, 57 has served as a member of various parliamentary panels including the Committee on Estimates and the Committee on Petitions in the 16th Lok Sabha.
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The first session of Parliament after the recent elections and since the installation of the Modi government got underway on Monday. The first two days - June 17 and 18 being dedicated for oath taking of members, the election to the Speaker's post will be held on Wednesday.
The ruling side is trying to ensure a consensus for the election of the presiding officer to the House of People, sources said.