UPA offers deputy speaker's post to opposition

The ruling United Progressive Alliance on Monday offered the post of deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha to the opposition in a bid to reach unanimity on the election of Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Somnath Chatterjee as the Speaker.

"I discussed the issue with senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani and National Democratic Alliance convener George Fernandes on Monday and conveyed the offer," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters in Delhi.

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Asked about the response, Azad said, "Let them discuss the issue among themselves. They will get back to us. We cannot expect an immediate response in the very first meeting."

He has also sought an appointment with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to discuss this issue, Azad said in reply to a question.