he stage is set for the ruling BJP-led NDA to announce its candidate for the Speaker of the

18th Lok Sabha on Tuesday, which would see the filing of nomination for the key post.
The BJP has already begun consultations with its NDA allies on their nominee for the
Speaker’s post, which would be from the party. The Opposition INDIA bloc is also
considering its options and may force a contest if their demand for a Deputy Speaker’s post
for their nominee is not accepted by the Narendra Modi dispensation.
While the BJP kept its cards close to its chest, the INDIA camp indicated that it would take a
call on its possible candidate for the Speaker’s post and a contest depending on the NDA’s
stance.
The Opposition pulled out of the panel to assist the Pro tem Speaker, Bhartruhari Mahtab, in
protest against appointing Mahtab, the seven-term MP from the BJP, while ignoring the claim
of the eight-term MP from the Congress, Kodikunnil Suresh, for the position.
Among the front-runners for the Speaker’s post are BJP leaders Radha Mohan Singh, D
Purandeswari and even Om Birla, the former Lok Sabha Speaker. The INDIA bloc may pitch
for K Suresh as its candidate in the event of a contest. The NDA has 293 MPs in the House
while the INDIA alliance has 233 MPs.
HC verdict on Kejriwal bail
The Delhi High Court will pronounce on Tuesday its verdict on a plea by the Enforcement
Directorate (ED) seeking a stay on the trial court order granting bail to Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal in the excise policy case.
In his written submission filed before the court on Monday, Kejriwal defended the bail order
and asserted that no prejudice would be caused to the ED if he is released at this stage as he
could be sent back to custody in case the high court subsequently decides to set aside the
order.
Staying the operation of “the well-reasoned bail order” would amount to virtually allowing
the petition for cancellation of the bail, Kejriwal argued.