Gandhinagar: While main opposition Congress party has extended its support for unopposed election of new Speaker Nimaben Acharya and not fielded a candidate against her, the party has fielded its senior MLA Anil Joshiyara for the post of Deputy Speaker against BJP candidate Jethabhai Ahir (Bharwad).

Leader of Opposition and Amerli MLA Paresh Dhanani told media persons that during Congress governments in the State, the post of Deputy Speaker was regularly given to opposition party candidates. However BJP has not respected that convention. Moreover the candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker has criminal record. Congress candidate Anil Joshiyara on the contrary is senior MLA and he is from tribal background.

Looking at the strength of BJP, the fight for the post of Deputy Speaker is going to be a token contest with certain victory of BJP candidate.

For the post of Speaker, a letter with sign of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani was handed over to Secretary of State Assembly. However when it comes to the post of Deputy Speaker, Congress party believes it has to contest it for principles. DeshGujarat