The talk in government circles is that it would not act petty on the issue of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha which Congress is seeking.
Soon after taking over as Parliamentary Affairs Minister today, M Venkaiah Naidu signalled that the government will go the "extra mile" to accommodate the Opposition.
This could be interpreted that the government may not adopt a hardline approach on the issue of recognition of Congress as the main Opposition which could give it the post of the Leader of the Opposition despite the party not having enough numbers.
Congress has secured just 44 seats in the 16th Lok Sabha, 11 less than one tenth of the strength of the 543-member House required to get the post. The Speaker has the discretion to decide on the issue.
Sources said the Cabinet at its meeting tomorrow is expected to finalise the schedule for the session, the first after the Narendra Modi government has taken over.
Names doing the round for the Speaker's post include BJP MP Sumitra Mahajan and Deputy Speaker in the last Lok Sabha Karia Munda.
Nath, who was Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs in the last government, won from his pocket-borough of Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh for the ninth term.
The name of Nath is also doing rounds in Congress circles for the post of the Leader of the Opposition.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
