Ending all speculations veteran BJP leader and MLA Ratan Chakraborty is set be the new Assembly Speaker. His elevation to the coveted position is in all likelihood to be an unopposed affair as opposition CPM will not field any candidate.
Earlier Rebati Mohan Das had resigned from the post citing ‘personal reasons’.
The former Minister of Congress TUJS coalition government in 1988-93 Chakrabarty, who joined the BJP in 2017 and got elected from Khayerpur constituency was the only candidate for the Speaker’s post. Thursday was the last day for submitting nomination for the post.
CPI-M state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that his party, which has 16-members in the 60-member house, would not contest the election.
Chakraborty said that he would perform whatever responsibility the party bestows on him.
“After around three decades, I have been chosen for a constitutional post, and for this, I am grateful to Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb,” Chakraborty said.
The choice of the three-time MLA for the post is considered significant as Deputy Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen was a strong contender.
Party sources said that Chakraborty’s elevation was part of the BJP central leadership’s decision to revamp both the government and the party organization ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls.
Chakrabarty, widely read and knowledgeable politician is well known for his oratory skill and integrity. A member of the Legislative assembly for several terms he is also well versed about the parliamentary norms and regulations.
