New Delhi

Om Birla, the speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, has filed a nomination for the post again as the government sticks to continuity.

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The opposition, meanwhile, has fielded K Suresh as their candidate for the speaker's post.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition failed to reach a consensus on Tuesday (Jun 25) over the appointment of Speaker in Lok Sabha. 

As per parliamentary traditions, the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker have been filled unanimously in Lok Sabha.

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The opposition is generally offered the Deputy Speaker position. Now that the government has failed to reach a consensus, elections will be held for the post.

News agency ANI earlier reported that senior cabinet ministers Rajnath Singh and Kiren Rijiju have gotten in touch with opposition leaders.

The nomination process will be held today and the election will take place on June 26.

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Earlier, media reports suggested pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab may also be nominated for the post.

K Suresh had claimed that the government has made no effort to reach a consensus.

Opposition demanded Deputy Speaker post

Speaking to the media, top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the opposition was ready to support the ruling side's candidate for the Speaker post if the Deputy Speaker post is given to the opposition.

"We have said to Rajnath Singh that we will support their Speaker (candidate) but the convention is that the post of Deputy Speaker to be given to opposition...," said Rahul Gandhi.

"Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge and he asked him to extend support to the Speaker. The entire Opposition said that we would support the Speaker but the convention is that the Deputy Speaker post should be given to the opposition. Rajnath Singh said that he would call back Mallikarjun Kharge but he has not done that yet...PM Modi is asking for cooperation from the Opposition but our leader is being insulted," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)