As the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha nears, there's a clamour for the post of the Speaker. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal United (JDU) -- both members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) -- are vying for the post, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the biggest bloc in the alliance, does not want to give it away.
From conducting the House and allowing questions to disqualification of members and presiding over trust votes, the Speaker holds vast powers in the Lower House.
Here's a close look at those powers and why the post is crucial for BJP, its allies and even the opposition in the Lok Sabha.