The Hindu : National : BJP agreeable to consensus on Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson

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Saturday, Jul 17, 2004

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National

BJP agreeable to consensus on Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson

By Neena Vyas

NEW DELHI, JULY 16. Clearing the way for unanimous election to the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party has conveyed to the Congress that it is agreeable to a consensus being evolved for the post.

The BJP president, Venkaiah Naidu, said today that the party's decision had been conveyed to the Congress. However, he also indicated that the party would prefer the election to be deferred till after the recess in the Budget session that starts from July 23. Apparently, the Congress has not yet officially indicated who its candidate would be for the post and the BJP feels that a little more time would enable proper consultations with all the parties.

A couple of weeks ago, at the start of the session, the BJP was inclined to probe the possibility of going in for a contest. Its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, had indicated that the party would not be averse to fielding the former Deputy Chairperson, Najma Heptulla. But, it seems, that the BJP was unable to enlist the support of the Samajwadi Party for her. With numbers not on its side, the BJP has opted for consensus.

While indicating the party's preference for consensus, Mr. Naidu today rejected the argument extended by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, that the main ruling party should have at least one of the four presiding officers.

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