Rakhi Birla set to be next deputy speaker of Delhi assembly

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Mangolpuri Rakhi Birla is set to become the next deputy speaker of the Delhi assembly.

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Mangolpuri Rakhi Birla is set to become the next deputy speaker of the Delhi assembly.

HT Image

The former women and child development minister does not hold any portfolio in the Delhi government.

“The party was very clear that the new deputy speaker had to be a woman. Birla is a good choice. The decision to appoint her has been made,” said a senior party leader.

Birla had a controversial tenure as a minister in the 49-day AAP government in 2013-14. Many had alleged misbehaviour by her and her family when she was a minister. Birla has, since, disowned her brothers.

Birla will be formally appointed to the post during the next assembly session in which her name will be nominated. Since AAP has 67 in the 70-member House, Birla’s appointment is certain.

Bandana Kumari resigned as deputy speaker on Saturday. Party insiders say she was asked to quit. However, she said she had to focus on party work in the constituency.

“I resigned because our support base in the ward has weakened. In the assembly election, we won with a heavy majority. In the municipal bypolls we came third. I take moral responsibility of this and recognize the need to work in the area and that’s why I decided to resign,” she said on Sunday.