nSenior Congress MLA from tribal dominated Bastar region Manoj Mandavi on Saturday filed nomination papers for Deputy Speaker’s post.
He handed over his nomination papers to Assembly secretary Chandrashekhar Gangrade in presence of AICC’s Chhattisgarh in-charge for party affairs and Rajya Sabha MP, P.L. Punia, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, PCC chief and legislator, Mohan Markam and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravindra Choubey.
Later on Mandavi paid visit to Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant in his office in assembly premises.
With Congress having over two third majority in the 90-member house, the election of Mandavi to the post of Deputy Speaker is almost sure. In the House Congress has 69 MLAs while BJP and JCC (J)-BSP combine have 14 and 7 MLAs respectively.
Mandavi is at present legislator from Bhanupratappur assembly constituency in Kanker district. He had earlier served as cabinet minister in Ajit Jogi-led Congress government during 2000-2003.
As per election schedule, the last date for filing nominations is December 1 and if necessary the election would be held on Monday, the December 2.
