Speaker to reconsider AIADMK’s request for deputy leader seat

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu has agreed to review the allocation of the Deputy Leader seat in the Assembly, responding to a request from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to assign the position to R.B. Udhayakumar. This move comes as a departure from the seat’s previous occupant, O. Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the AIADMK. The Speaker’s announcement followed a plea from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging reconsideration of the decision to allocate the seat to Mr. Udhayakumar, who was elected as the Deputy Leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party under the leadership of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. During the discussion, the Chief Minister referenced a previous ruling by former Speaker P. Dhanapal, highlighting the Chair’s discretion in allocating seats and the absence of a reserved seat for the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, as the position is not officially recognized. Stalin asserted his right to request a review of the decision, emphasizing the importance of fairness and representation in the Assembly. In response to the Chief Minister’s appeal, the Speaker affirmed, “The Chief Minister has requested reconsideration of the decision. Suitable action will be taken.” This statement signaled a willingness to revisit the matter, eliciting positive reactions from AIADMK legislators, who were observed congratulating Udhayakumar. @@@@