With senior Congress leader PJ Kurien demitting the office on July 1, the Union government led by Bharatiya Janata Party is mulling on to have have an BJP deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha this time. Though with the recent win in the Assembly elections, BJP has become the single largest party in the Upper House of Parliament, but do not have a majority.
According to the party sources, BJP is pushing for a consensus for the post, but may not pressurize, as they are still short of majority. As the situation looks a little disoriented, Vice-President Venkaish Naidu urged the opposition parties and Congress to look for a ‘worthy successor’ to the outgoing Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien. However, there are rumours that BJP could consider nominee from the allied party like Akali Dal and senior MP Naresh Gujral’s name is doing the rounds.
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Though this might not sound a good idea, but with a neutral name, BJP can get a support of BJD. Previously too, a nominee from BJD was supposed by the Congress party, but the former did not show any interest. In order to push for a ‘consensus candidate’ for the post, Naidu had hosted Kurien and several ministers and MPs at his residence. The motto behind was to give an indication to all parties the sharp differences between the government and the opposition do not force a contest.
On the other hand, Congress is trying to have a consensus with its UPA allies, as they spoke about opposition unity, among whom Trinamool is in favour of a non-Congress MP. Since the Monsoon Session is scheduled to begin from July 18, hectic parleys are expected over the next few days.
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Photo Courtesy: The Hindu