Ravi to be RS deputy chairman

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday girded itself to support the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate for the deputy chairmanship of the Rajya Sabha conceding that the post belonged to the Congress, which had no member as presiding officers in either House despite being the party in government.

Indications are that the deputy chairman""and possible candidate for vice-presidentship after Bhairon Singh Shekhawat"" will be Congress general secretary and former Kerala Congress unit chief Vayalar Ravi.

Although the Congress had originally favoured PM Sayeed, he is not a member of either House and not keen to give up his ministerial post.

His election as the Rajya Sabha member would have taken too long to meet the deadline for the appointment of a deputy chairman.

Ravi is the only presiding officer from the South, a factor that went in his favour when the appointment was being discussed.

Although he has no previous experience in controlling the House, he has been an active member of the Rajya Sabha in the past and understands procedure.

With the Samajwadi Party deciding against fielding any candidate for the post , the BJP is all set to agree for a "consensus" Congress candidate from South.