The second day of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed a political uproar with Congress nominating its own Speaker. This came after Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who reportedly sought support from the Opposition for the new Lok Sabha Speaker. Congress had made it clear to only extend support if the Deputy Speaker will be from Opposition. While there was no response from the BJP about the same, K Suresh was nominated against Om Birla for the post of Speaker. Voting for the post of Speaker will be held on 26 June at 11 AM.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds the second highest post in the lower house of Parliament. Like the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker is also elected by the members of the Lok Sabha. Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mentions that the members of the Lok Sabha shall elect two members as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. If either of these two posts becomes vacant, the House shall re-elect it as soon as possible.

The speaker can submit his resignation to the deputy speaker. The Deputy Speaker is not subordinate to the Lok Sabha Speaker, but is directly answerable to the House. If any of the two wants to resign, they will have to submit their resignation to the House, it means that if the Speaker submits his resignation, he/she can hand it over to the Deputy Speaker. If the post of Deputy Speaker is vacant, he/she can submit his resignation to the General Secretary and also inform the House about it.

Deputy Speaker Of Lok Sabha: Election And Tenure Of Deputy Speaker

- The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is selected under Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.

- The election of the Deputy Speaker is held immediately after the members of the Lok Sabha elect the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

- The Lok Sabha Speaker decides the date for the election of the Deputy Speaker. The election of the Deputy Speaker usually takes place in the second session.

- Like the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker also usually holds his office for the term of the Lok Sabha (5 years).

Deputy Speaker Of Lok Sabha: When Can The Deputy Speaker Be Removed From His Post?

- If he/she ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha.

- If he/she decides to resign.

- It can also be removed by passing a resolution by majority of all the members of Lok Sabha. This resolution can be brought only after giving 14 days' advance notice.

Deputy Speaker Of Lok Sabha: Powers And Responsibilities

- When the post of Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent from the House, then the Deputy Speaker takes over his roles.

- In both these situations, the Deputy Speaker has the right to take decisions like the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

- If the Speaker is absent from any session, the Deputy Speaker also presides over the joint sitting of both the Houses.

- In case of an equality of votes the Deputy Chairman has the privilege of a casting vote like the Chairman.

- The Deputy Chairman has a special privilege that whenever he/she is appointed as a member of Parliamentary Committee, he/she automatically becomes its Chairman.

Deputy Speaker Of Lok Sabha Cannot Do These Things:

- Like the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker also cannot vote on any bill or other issue while presiding over the House. He can use the deciding vote only in case of a tie.

- When the proposal for removal of the Deputy Speaker is pending in the House, he/she cannot preside over the meeting of the House, even if he is present in the House.

- When the Speaker presides over the House, the Deputy Speaker is like any other ordinary member of the House. He can speak in the House, participate in its proceedings and vote on any question before the House.