New Delhi, June 27: Internal disagreements and strategic concerns have led the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) to abandon its plan to seek a division of votes for the Lok Sabha Speaker post. The conflict primarily involved the Trinamool Congress and Congress, with the former feeling inadequately consulted in the selection of Suresh as the I.N.D.I.A. candidate.
Initially, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc had prepared to demand a division of votes, with the Congress briefing its MPs about the voting process while waiting for a signal from the Trinamool Congress. The latter had promised to inform them whether to opt for a voice vote or division of votes. However, reservations expressed by some sections of the alliance led to the move being aborted to avoid exposing internal rifts and a lack of consensus.
The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, ultimately conveyed their reluctance to go for a division of votes, citing unfavorable numbers and the potential increase in support for the NDA from parties like the YSR Congress and some MPs from the Northeast. This decision was communicated just 30 minutes before the Lok Sabha proceedings commenced, prompting a quick consultation between Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and TR Baalu. They agreed not to push for a division of votes to prevent exposing differences within the alliance.
After the Speaker election, Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee criticized the pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab for not acceding to the Opposition MPs’ demand for a division of votes. Banerjee called the government “illegal, immoral, unethical, and unconstitutional,” highlighting the perceived lack of majority support.
Chief Whip of the Congress in Rajya Sabha, Jairam Ramesh, remarked that the Opposition bloc chose not to insist on a division of votes to maintain a spirit of consensus and cooperation, which he claimed was lacking in the actions of the prime minister and the NDA. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges I.N.D.I.A. faces in maintaining unity and strategizing effectively.
