Sayeed elected Deputy Speaker

NEW DELHI, Dec 17 (UNI) — Mr Padannatha Mujammad Sayeed, a ninth time member of the Lok Sabha, was today unanimously elected Deputy Speaker of the House.

A motion moved my Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and supported by Leader of the Opposition Sharad Pawar proposing the name of Mr Sayeed for the post was adopted by the House by a voice vote. There were 24 motions moved by leaders of different political parties proposing the name of Mr Sayeed, who has already completed 31 years in the House consecutively.

Members profusely thumped their desks when Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi declared that Mr Sayeed, Congress member from Lakshadweep, had been elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Soon after, Mr Sayeed was hugged by many members and ushered into his designated seat. The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and leaders of various parties congratulated Mr Sayeed and expressed confidence that he would be able to discharge his duties with impartiality and competence in the best democratic spirit.

Mr Vajpayee recalled Mr Sayeed’s contributions as a member of the House, a minister and chairman of various committees. He said Mr Sayeed had always tried to take all with him without any discrimination. He felt that his election would also reduce the burden of the Speaker.

Mr Sharad Pawar narrated his association with Mr Sayeed, who became a member of the House in 1967 at the age of 26. Mr Sayeed had set several records, including getting elected to the House consecutively for nine times. In all the elections, he was opposed by the same candidate who represented many parties one after the other, he said.

Mr Pawar said he was also elected to the Vidhan Sabha in 1967 and won all elections thereafter.