TMC unhappy over Dastidar's omission from chairpersons' panel, to complain to Speaker

New Delhi: All India Trinamool Congress is likely to appeal to the Lok Sabha Speaker for not enlisting its two-time parliamentarian Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's name in the 'Panel of Chairpersons'.

The TMC has expressed grievances and said that Dastidar's name was submitted twice but her name has not been approved yet, while, so far eight members, four MPs from ruling BJP, and rest from Congress, BJD, DMK and YSR MPs have been selected.

According to the 'Rules of procedure and conduct of business in Lok Sabha' a member of the panel may preside over the House when the Speaker is absent. However, in case of a vacancy, a member of the panel cannot preside over the House. In such a case, the president appoints a member of the house for the purpose. In India, the 'Panel of Chairpersons' contains 10 members.

Ratna De Nag was among the erstwhile members of the 'Panel of Chairpersons'. The party shares fourth highest stake in the Lower House.

Meanwhile, TMC has extended its support to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Upper House. However, they raised questions over the extension of Presidential rule in the state and not holding Assembly elections. But the party time and again attacked the ruling BJP on Women Reservation Bill, electoral reforms, crumbling institutions, farmers' distress, malnutrition and other issues. TMC MPs also took dig at the saffron party for manipulating media platforms in both LS and RS.