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Sayeed re-elected LS deputy speaker

P M Sayeed, veteran parliamentarian who has been representing the Lakashadweep islands in the Lok Sabha for the last 35 years, was today unanimously re-elected deputy speaker of the House.

The motion proposing Sayeed's name for the top post was moved by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and seconded by Opposition leader Sonia Gandhi. Representatives of all other party groups endorsed Sayeed's candidature.

Immediately after Speaker G M C Balayogi announced Sayeed's unopposed election, the new deputy speaker was escorted to his seat -- next to the Opposition leader in the front row -- by Vajpayee and Sonia Gandhi.

Later, Sayeed thanked all members for the great honour bestowed on him and reminded the members of the tremendous responsibility of bringing in focus the mandate of the people.

He said the Lok Sabha members had to be more professional in discharging their duties and should take advantage of the new information technology.

Sayeed, who was the deputy speaker in the 12th Lok Sabha too, was the consensus candidate. The Bharatiya Janata Party had initially talked of putting up a ruling party candidate for the post as the Speaker was not strictly from the ruling party. But it was abandoned as many of the ruling alliance partners (like the Trinamul Congress) were keen on bringing in Sayeed.

Vajpayee, the first to congratulate Sayeed, said the people of Lakshadweep had an abiding faith in Sayeed as he got elected from there in all parliamentary elections in the last 35 years.

Sonia Gandhi said Sayeed enjoyed the confidence and goodwill of the entire House.

Balayogi said Sayeed's conduct both inside and outside the House was a role model for all parliamentarians.

Subsequently, the Speaker invited Sayeed to come to the presiding officer's podium and take charge.

UNI

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