Citing convention, BJP stakes claim for Dy Speaker’s chair

Srinagar, Aug 21: Ahead of the upcoming autumn session of the Legislative Assembly, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Sat Pal Sharma on Friday said the post of Deputy Speaker should be allotted to the party, citing the convention of the position being given to the largest opposition party.
Sharma said that when the BJP was in power, the post of Deputy Speaker was given to the NC.
“As per convention, the post of Deputy Speaker is allotted to the opposition,” he said.
Sharma added that the Chief Minister should have given the post of Deputy Speaker to the BJP at the time of the election of the Speaker. “He should look into the matter to uphold the tradition and convention,” he remarked.
During the PDP-BJP government, Nazir Gurezi of the National Conference served as Deputy Speaker, while Sartaj Madni of the PDP held the post during the NC-Congress rule.
The key statutory post of Deputy Speaker has remained vacant for nearly two years, with the ruling National Conference showing no inclination to fill the position.
As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, the election of the Deputy Speaker is conducted under the supervision of the Speaker, who fixes the date for the election. (KNO)