Chennai: In a first, P. Dhanapal and Pollachi V. Jayaraman were on Friday unanimously elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly for a second consecutive term. Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, leader of the House O. Pannerselvam and Opposition leader M. K. Stalin wished the Speaker and Deputy Speaker after their election.
Protem Speaker S. Semmalai announced the election of Dhanapal after which Pannerselvam and Stalin escorted the Speaker to his chair. Earlier, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa proposed their names as Speaker and Deputy Speaker and the finance minister seconded their names when the Assembly met.
As Dhanapal assured equal opportunities to all parties in debates in the House, Jayalalithaa it was a double delight for her that Dhanapal was elected unanimously and that he was elected for a second consecutive term for the first time in the history of Tamil Nadu Assembly.
“This position came to you (Dhanapal) due to your competence, ability and experience,” she said and lauded him for his impartiality. She also spoke in detail about how the Tamil Nadu Assembly had very competent and noted politicians as Speaker. Mr Stalin said the DMK has immense confidence in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker that they would guide the members and the House in the right manner.
