The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has been in the eye of a political storm ever since relations soured between the Congress and the Left parties over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Despite his party, the Communist Party of India-Marxist asking him to step down as Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee [Images] stuck to his position that his post was above party politics and presided admirably over the government's trust motion on July 21 and 22.

Chatterjee had no backers in CPM central panel

Retribution followed the very next day, with the CPM choosing to expel him for the party for indiscipline - ie, his refusal to give up the Speaker's post.

Chatterjee has come in for universal praise for his exemplary conduct of the Lok Sabha proceedings, and his party's obduracy has only fuelled the list of his admirers.

Today, as the Speaker turns 79, show your appreciation for his principled stand in the face of adversity by wishing him on the occasion. Click here to send your wishes!