BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJP leader and former minister Surama Padhy was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi moved a motion proposing the name of Padhy as the Speaker which was seconded by Parliamentary Affairs minister Mukesh Mahaling. Opposition BJD, Congress and CPM members also extended support to her.
Padhy is the 26th Speaker of the Assembly and the second woman to occupy the constitutional post after Pramila Mallick of the BJD.
Pro-tem Speaker Ranendra Pratap Swain announced her election as Speaker after a voice vote in the House.
He handed over charge to her after she was escorted to her chair on the podium by the chief minister, deputy chief ministers KV Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati.
Padhy thanked all the members of the House for unanimously supporting the proposal of the chief minister for electing her as the Speaker. She assured the members that she will discharge her responsibilities impartially and uphold the dignity of the House with the help of all the members.
“I am from a humble family and never thought of occupying such a prestigious post and responsibility. I am overwhelmed. It is our combined responsibility to maintain the dignity of this House. Therefore, I seek your cooperation. I will do my best to maintain neutrality with the cooperation of all,” she said.
Congratulating her, Majhi said he is confident that she will run the House properly without any bias. Naveen congratulated her and expressed confidence that she will uphold the dignity of the House during her tenure. “I also hope that the members will cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House,” he added.
Congress MLA Bahinipati and CPM MLA Laxman Munda also congratulated Padhy on being elected as the Speaker.