Former minister is set to be Deputy Speaker of the T-Assembly

The path is clear for the unanimous election of former minister T. Padma Rao as Deputy Speaker of the Telangana state Assembly. Mr Padma Rao, who represents Secunderabad, was the only one to file his nomination papers for the post. The election is scheduled to be held on Monday.

TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao took the responsibility of securing a unanimous election after holding consultations all parties including the main Opposition Congress.

Mr Rama Rao along with ministers Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Vemula Prashanth Reddy accompanied Mr Padma Rao to the legislative party offices. When the trio called on CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at the CLP office, he said he would respond after discussing with party legislators. State Congress president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy also joined the discussions.

During the meeting, Mr Reddy said in jest that Mr Rama Rao had appeared to have blocked his phone number and was not taking his calls. Mr Rama Rao replied he might have been busy and suggested that he send a message as he constantly checks is phone for messages.