(Tribune)
Three-time BJP legislator from Rishikesh Prem Chand Aggarwal was elected unopposed the fourth Speaker of the fourth Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly here on Thursday. Pro tem Speaker Harbans Kapoor made the formal announcement of the election of 56-year-old Aggarwal to the post of Speaker in the Vidhan Sabha.After the announcement, former Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal and members of the treasury and opposition benches escorted Aggarwal to the Speaker’s chair.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant lauded the Opposition for supporting the election of Aggarwal. “I am sure Aggarwal’s unopposed election will strengthen the traditions of the House.
It is traditions along with the conduct of the members that strengthen the functioning of the House,” he said.On the other hand, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat recalled his long association with Aggarwal. “His late father Mangey Ram Aggarwal was among the stalwarts of the RSS in Dehradun who laid the foundation of selfless service. Prem Chand too started his career with the ABVP. He is a keen volleyball player,” said Rawat.The Chief Minister pointed to the presence of four former Speakers in the House. “I am sure former Speakers Yashpal Arya, Prakash Pant, Harbans Kapoor and Govind Singh Kunjwal will continue to show you the way,” he said.