The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Give Deputy Speaker’s post to Opposition, says Kharge

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Friday, Jun 06, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Give Deputy Speaker’s post to Opposition, says Kharge

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly M. Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to give the post of the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly to the Opposition, reciprocating its gesture by not fielding a candidate against Jagadish Shettar of the Bharatiya Janata Party to the post of Speaker.

Speaking to presspersons after chairing the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, Mr. Kharge said that the members had authorised him to take up the matter with the government later. He said that the government should give the post of Deputy Speaker to the Opposition and respect the convention of the State Legislature.

Resolutions

The meeting adopted three resolutions on the issues of Deputy Speaker; the appointment of office-bearers of the CLP; and the demand to the State Government to decide on removing the State levies in the form of entry tax, excise duty and cess. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had requested the State Governments to remove cess on petrol and diesel to reduce burden on the consumers.

Former minister Roshan Baig, who was at the meeting, recommended the name of former minister D.K. Shivakumar for the post of Deputy Speaker, but Mr. Kharge advised the members not to discuss such issues.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramiah and Mr. Shivakumar had not attended the meeting.

‘Fill post’

Another former minister T.B. Jayachandra urged Mr. Kharge to fill the post of Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party also.

The CLP leader said that all the posts of office-bearers, including that of the Deputy Leader, would be appointed.

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