DMK leader may be surprise pick for RS Dy chief

A battle of nerves is on within the opposition ranks over the post of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, which fell vacant after the retirement of Congress leader P J Kurien.

The Congress has always held the post, except between December 17, 1969 and March 20, 1977 when B D Khobragade of the Republican Party of India and Godey Murahari of Samyukta Socialist Party held the post.

This is for the first time in four decades, the Congress stands to lose the coveted post and is keen to have a leader of its choice to preside over the Rajya Sabha in absence of Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu.

The Trinamool Congress, which has taken lead in driving opposition strategy in Parliament as well as outside, is keen to see its leader Sukhendu Shekar Ray as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

But there is a catch. The CPM has already declared that the Left parties – which have seven members in the Upper House – will not back a Trinamool Congress candidate if elections are held for the post of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

The Congress has dropped hints that it would support its long-term ally NCP to put up a candidate in the election to the post.

Parliament sources said that DMK member Tiruchi Siva could be a surprise pick when opposition leaders sit together on Monday discuss fielding a joint candidate for the election of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.

Opposition sources said Siva's candidature could also help to keep unity in their ranks as Left and Trinamool could agree on supporting a DMK leader. The opposition camp also hopes to get support from TRS, TDP and PDP for Siva's candidature.

Siva's candidature has the backing of the Trinamool and it remains to be seen whether the Congress would agree to it or let their rivalries in West Bengal take centrestage at the national level.