Ranjit elected Deputy Speaker unanimously in Manipur

Imphal, March 21: Ruling SPF candidate and MLA from Sugnu constituency K Ranjit was today unanimously elected as the new Deputy Speaker of the 8th State Assembly by the House. Ranjit was elected unanimously after the Opposition Democratic Peoples Alliance candidate N Sobhakiran of the FPM withdrew his nomination today. His election with the approval of both the Treasury and Opposition benches was declared by Speaker TN Haokip on the floor of the House. He was ushered in to his seat by Commerce and Industries Minister Th Devendra and senior member of the Opposition RK Dorendra. Congratulating the election of Ranjit, Dorendra said Sobhakiran withdrew his nomination as both the ruling and the Opposition agreed not to hold election to the post. He however said that the Opposition had requested for the post but was turned down by the ruling alliance. Praising the new Deputy Speaker as a devoted social worker and leader, he expressed hope that Ranjit will work above political lines while discharging his duties in the House. Chief Minister O Ibobi also expressed confidence that he will work with dedication. Ranjit thanked the House for its unanimous decision in his favour. He promised to work within the decorum of the House and sought co-operation from the members. The newly elected Deputy Speaker was the Minister of State for GAD and Health and Family Welfare in the then People's Front Govt led by Samata's Radhabinod Koijam.