NEW DELHI: BJP lawmaker Om Birla is set to be the next Speaker in the Lok Sabha, the opposition has accepted his candidature.

The two-time lawmaker from Rajasthan’s Kota is considered close to party chief and home minister Amit Shah, NDTV reported.

“The BJD, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, National People’s Party, Mizo National Front, Lok Janshakti Party, YSRCP, JDU, AIADMK and Apna Dal have given the notice to support Birla’s candidature for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters. “I have spoken to Congress leaders K Suresh and Gulab Nabi Azad. They have not signed till now but I think they would not oppose,” he added.