Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding immediate action to fill the long-vacant post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha. In his letter, Kharge emphasized that this is the first time in India’s parliamentary history that the position has remained unoccupied for two consecutive terms — the 17th and now the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha. He reminded the PM that the last Deputy Speaker, AIADMK’s M Thambi Durai, held the office during the 16th Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019, while BJP’s Sumitra Mahajan served as the Speaker during that period.

Kharge pointed out that since the first Lok Sabha, it has been a longstanding convention to elect the Deputy Speaker from the principal opposition party, which ensures bipartisan balance in presiding over House proceedings. He called the current situation a violation of both democratic norms and constitutional requirements. Quoting Article 93 of the Constitution, he stated that both a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker must be elected in each Lok Sabha. He added that the prolonged vacancy undermines parliamentary functioning and diminishes the credibility of democratic institutions.

Citing parliamentary rules, Kharge explained that the Deputy Speaker is usually elected in the second or third session of a new Lok Sabha, with the date of election fixed by the Speaker under Rule 8(1). The Deputy Speaker assumes full responsibilities in the absence of the Speaker as per Article 95(1), including presiding powers. While there is no fixed timeline for the election, the rules mandate it be conducted “as soon as may be.” Despite repeated appeals and no constitutional barrier, the ruling BJP-led NDA has not initiated the process, nor has it explained the delay, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic procedures.