In a change of events, Kodikunnil Suresh of the Congress was fielded for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker as the INDIA bloc candidate on June 25. The NDA is fielding Om Birla as its candidate. This is for the first time in the past three decades that there will be a contest for the Speaker’s post.

Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told reporters that the Opposition would support the government on Lok Sabha Speaker choice provided the Deputy Speaker’s post is given post to them. However, it was learnt that Congress and DMK representatives walked out of a meeting called by senior BJP MP and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, ruling out a consensual candidate for the post.

The opening session of the 18th Lok Sabha saw a total of 262 newly-elected MPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking oath as a member in the newly constituted lower House. The remaining 281 MPs will take oath today.

Among the key leaders who will oath at the Parliament today include Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Mahua Moitra, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi. The election for the post of Speaker is scheduled for Wednesday.