Government proposes Kamal Nath's name to the President as Protem Speaker

Briefing reporters in New Delhi today, after assuming the charge of Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, Venkiah Naidu said that Congress leader Kamal Nath's name has been recommended as the Protem Speaker by the Government to President Pranab Mukherjee.

He said: "Senior Lok Sabha member and former parliamentary affairs minister, Kamal Nath will be the Protem Speaker to conduct the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MPs. Mr Nath will be assisted by four other senior members of the 16th Lok Sabha."

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that the Union Cabinet at its meeting this evening is likely to decide on the date for convening the opening session of Parliament.

He said the new government is ready to debate any issue. He said the government is committed to the 3-D formula-discuss, debate and decide-for the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Naidu said the government will go the extra mile to accommodate the opposition.

To a question whether Congress will get the post of the leader of opposition in the absence of the requisite number, Venkiah Naidu said so far the government has not discussed the matter and he has no comments to offer.