Veena Bhatnagar has been elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Bhatnagar won 27 votes over Opposition Member, Adi Lita Qionibaravi, who secured 24 votes.*
However, Opposition MP, Niko Nawaikula, interjected the process, seeking clarification on Bhatnagar’s new appointment.
“On the question whether the Assistant Minister, namely Honourable Veena can hold the position of Deputy Speaker. Can I get clarification on that?”
Speaker of the House, Dr Jiko Luveni, clarified the issue by referring to the standing order.
“Standing order 19 sub clause three provides that any member may propose an ordinary to be as the Deputy Speaker, standing order three sub clause one, further provides that ordinary member means a member not holding the office of Minister. Leader of opposition, leader of the government or whip. I know that honourable Veena does not hold any of the ministry offices and therefore in accordance with the rules and procedures of the parliament I will allow the nomination of the honourable Veena Kumar Bhatnagar for the position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.”
Bhatnagar will continue with her role as Assistant Minister for the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
