Eldest lawmaker V Sugnan Kumari Deo took oath of office as the Pro-Tem Speaker of the 15th Assembly on Thursday as the schedule for the election of the new Speaker was fixed on May 26.
Governor Dr SC Jamir administered her oath in presence of the Chief Minister, members of the Council of Ministers, Assembly Secretary Amiya Sarangi and other dignitaries. The veteran leader and 10-time MlA Deo from Kabisuryanagar was also the Pro-Tem Speaker of the 14th Assembly.
She would administer oath to the newly elected members in the main meeting hall of the House. A special meeting of the Assembly will be held at 11 am on May 26 for election of the Speaker.
Meanwhile, senior Congress legislator Narasingha Mishra, who is all set to become the leader of Opposition, said that since the post of Speaker was above politics, leader of the House, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should consult the Opposition for unanimous election of the top post.