Bhabani Shankar Bhoi becomes Odisha Deputy Speaker

Bhubaneswar, July 24: On Wednesday, Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, the Talsara MLA, was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Bhoi was elected without opposition, as no other candidates from the Opposition submitted nominations for the role. He takes over the position from Saluga Pradhan.

"I declare that Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, honourable member of the House, has been chosen as the Deputy Speaker of the House," announced Speaker Surama Padhy.

Both Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik congratulated Bhoi on his election. "I congratulate Bhabani Shankar Bhoi on being elected as the Deputy Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly. I have full confidence that he will uphold the dignity of the House and ensure its proper functioning," said Majhi.

Patnaik added, "I congratulate Bhabani Shankar Bhoi on his election as the Deputy Speaker of this esteemed House. With his extensive experience, I am confident he will excel in his new role. I urge all members to offer their full support to Bhoi."

Bhoi filed his nomination papers on Tuesday at the Assembly Secretary's office, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and other Ministers and BJP MLAs.

Bhoi has notably secured the reserved Talsara Assembly seat in the past two elections.