New Delhi, June 12: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly offered the post of deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha to the YSRCP. BJP MP and spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao on Tuesday met YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and made the offer. While both the parties remained tight-lipped about the development, Jagan is said to have sought time to take a final role.

Narasimha Rao spoke to Jagan for about half an hour and offered the post of deputy speaker on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, TOI reported. The BJP MP, however, told reporters after meeting Jagan at the latter's official residence that it was a courtesy call and that they did not discuss politics. He said this would be decided by the BJP leadership. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Newly Elected CM of Andhra Pradesh, Inducts 5 Deputy Chief Ministers in Cabinet.

Both the Congress and DMK declined the offer of deputy speaker's post. With 22 MPs in the lower house of Parliament, the YSRCP is the third biggest opposition party. The chief minister is seeking time suspecting political ramifications of accepting the BJP's offer. Both Muslims and Christians have voted in large numbers for Jagan's YSRCP in Assembly polls. Jagan Mohan Reddy Meets PM Narendra Modi, Discusses Special Status, Central Funds For Andhra Pradesh.

If Jagan becomes part of the Modi government, it might upset his voter base. Lok Sabha is scheduled to meet on June 17 and election for the Speaker will take place soon after the new members take the oath. Former Union Minister and seven-time MP Virendra Kumar will be the Pro tem Speaker. The Pro tem Speaker is a temporary arrangement till the regular Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha.

Kumar will administer the oath to the new members of the Lok Sabha on June 17 and 18 before the new Speaker is elected on June 19. The Parliament session will continue till July 26.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2019 08:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).