Deputy Speaker P Dhanapal is all set to become the Speaker of the State Assembly on October 10, the date fixed by Governor K Rosaiah for the election of the new Speaker. The election follows the resignation of D Jayakumar, who was holding the post of the Speaker, on September 29.
Soon after the governor’s announcement, Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa fielded Dhanapal, a five-time legislator of the Tamil Nadu Assembly for the post of the Speaker. Dhanapal is representing Rasipuram Assembly constituency (SC) now. He was elected four times from Sankari (SC) constituency.
Assembly Secretary AMP Jamaludeen said nomination for the post of Speaker will be received by him till 12 noon on October 9. Since AIADMK has nearly two-thirds of majority in the Assembly, it is a foregone conclusion that Dhanapal is set to become the next Speaker.