Shiv Sena opposes BJD after speculations over Bhartruhari's name for LS Dy Speaker post

New Delhi: Following speculations that senior BJD leader and Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab is among frontrunners for the Deputy Speaker’s post in Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena today said either the party or any other ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) should get the post.

Raut criticised talks on allotment of Deputy Speaker’s post to the BJD and said that the ruling-party in Odisha fought 2019 elections against the BJP and so it should not be given the post.

"As the second largest NDA ally, Shiv Sena is having 18 MPs and the Deputy Speaker’s post in the Lower House of the Parliament post should ideally be allotted to us or any other allies of NDA," Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said.

“Talks have been doing rounds that the Deputy Speaker post might go to another party. BJD is our friends, but they have fought against NDA in Odisha. How is it possible that they will get the Deputy Speaker’s post? Undoubtedly, Shiv sena or any other ally should get the post,” Raut added.

Meanwhile, Odisha BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said the saffron party is yet to decide on Deputy Speaker post for the Lok Sabha, so any talk on the speculations of frontrunners for the post is premature.

"BJP has been elected as the single largest party at the Centre so when time is opportune, party leadership and PM Modi will decide on the Deputy Speaker post," said Mohapatra.

A total of 12 MPs have been elected from BJD party tickets to Lok Sabha during the recently held simultaneous polls.