Divya Delhi: In a significant development, the Congress-led opposition bloc has nominated Kodikunnil Suresh, an eight-time Member of Parliament from Kerala, to contest the post of Lok Sabha Speaker. This marks the first time since 1946 that the post will be contested through an election. The opposition's move comes after it refused to back the BJP's proposed candidate, Om Birla, for the top parliamentary post.

The BJP had approached the opposition to build consensus to re-appoint Om Birla as the Speaker, but the opposition demanded that a member of their own bloc be given the deputy's post as per parliamentary tradition. However, the BJP has so far refused to commit to this demand.

The standoff between the ruling coalition led by the BJP and the opposition bloc has been ongoing since Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for consensus to govern the country. Modi's statement was seen as a move to bridge the divide between the two sides and ensure a smooth functioning of parliament.

The opposition's decision to field a candidate of their own has set off a fresh round of political maneuvering in New Delhi. The BJP has asked the opposition to support Om Birla, but it remains unclear whether this will happen. Meanwhile, the Congress and other opposition parties are rallying behind Suresh, who has been a prominent figure in Indian politics for decades.

The election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is expected to be a closely watched event in Indian politics, with implications for the country's legislative agenda and government functioning in the coming months.