YSR Congress to accept Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker's post only if...

Amid reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party has offered the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh is unlikely to accept the offer.

The YSR Congress, which is the fourth largest party with 22 members in the 17th Lok Sabha, does not want to be seen aligned with the BJP-led ruling NDA until the Narendra Modi government fulfil its demand of granting special status to the state, a senior leader of the party said on Sunday.

"Opposition especially the Congress is also responsible for Andhra Pradesh not getting the special status tag. It bifurcated the state but did not give it special status. So we will also be maintaining distance from them too," the leader said.

However, he said the party may extend its support Modi 2.0 government on certain issues which would be in the interest of the country.

Sources privy to the development said there was no direct or formal offer made but there were indications.

"The party does not want this post, as it will be seen as aligning with the ruling dispensation. The party won't do that until and unless Centre gives special status to Andhra Pradesh," the YSR Congress leader said.

He further said the party has conveyed its stand to the BJP leadership.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena expressed displeasure after reports claimed that YSR Congress has been offered the Deputy Speaker’s post in the Lok Sabha. In an article in the party’s mouthpiece, Saamna, Shiv Sena asked why the saffron party was pursuing Reddy’s party despite having enough seats in the Lok Sabha.