New Delhi, June 3
The Shiromani Akali Dal has intensified efforts to secure the post of Deputy Speaker, offered by the Congress-led coalition to the NDA, with its senior leaders meeting NDA chairman Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani.
Former Punjab Assembly Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal is the SAD nominee for the post of Deputy Speaker.
Newly-elected MPs of Shiromani Akali Dal, led by former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa who is leader of the SAD Parliamentary Party, today met Mr Vajpayee regarding candidature of Mr Atwal. Mr Dhindsa said later that Mr Vajpayee was "favourable" to the proposal. Mr Dhindsa had yesterday met Mr Advani and NDA convener George Fernandes.
Sources said SAD chief Parkash Singh Badal has already spoken to Mr Vajpayee, Mr Advani and Mr Fernandes regarding the candidature of Mr Atwal. Lok Sabha MP from Phillaur (reserved) seat, Mr Atwal has been associated with the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association.
The sources said NDA leaders will meet tomorrow to discuss the choice of candidate for the Deputy Speaker's post.
They said many MPs of Shiv Sena and BJP were also keen about the post going to their parties. The NDA will announce its choice for Deputy Speaker only if election to the post is on the agenda in this session, the sources said.
