Bhubaneswar: Amid the speculations of BJD’s senior MP Bhartruhari Mahatab’s name doing rounds for the ensuing election to the coveted post of Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena has reportedly opposed to such a political move dubbing the post a natural claim for being the second largest ally of BJP-led NDA.
As per media reports, Shiv Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut has been quoted saying the Shiv Sena is the second largest ally in NDA and so the post should go to it or any other allies and not BJD which fought against BJP.
However, Raut reportedly termed BJD a friend, but questioned the rationale behind BJD being offered the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker post as the regional party of Odisha has fought against the BJP-led NDA in the recent general polls.
Notably, Shiv Sena-BJP alliance swept the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls in which the saffron alliance won 41 out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. While Shiv Sena bagged 18 seats, BJP clinched 23 Lok Sabha seats in their state.
