Tulsi Ram is BJP's candidate for HP assembly Speaker's post

Shimla, Jan 9 (UNI) The BJP today announced that its Bharmaur legislator Tulsi Ram would be its candidate for the post of Speaker of the new Himachal Pradesh Assembly.

The party also named Mr Khimi Ram as its nominee for the Deputy Speaker's post.

Addressing mediapersons here, state party in charge Satyapal Jain said that Mr Ram has been chosen for the post of Speaker so as give representation to the tribal districts in the state assembly.

Since no one has been inducted from Kullu district of the state, Banjar legislator Khimi Ram has been chosen for the Deputy Speaker's post, he added.

Mr Jain pointed out that since the party had majority in the House, the election to the two posts would be a mere formality.

However as per the democratic traditions the party would seek the Congress's support for the election, he added.

The election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker would be held on the first day of the two-day winter session on Friday immediately after administering the oath to the newly elected members and the Governor's address.

Meanwhile Mr Riki Ram Kaundal, of the BJP and a senior member of the House fro Mandi district has been appointed the Protem Speaker.

He was administered the oath of office by Governor V S Kokje at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan this evening.

Mr Jain expressed satisfaction over the constitution over the Cabinet, saying fair representation has been given to all sections of society.

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