Bhubaneswar: The Deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly Rajanikant Singh resigned from his post Wednesday, a source said.
Singh resigned from the post citing personal reasons. He has handed over the resignation letter to Speaker Pramila Mallik.
“I am planning to concentrate on political activities as elections are round the corner,” Singh told reporters, adding he would be now able to devote more time to the party and reach out to the people.
Singh, who was elected as the deputy speaker of the Odisha Assembly in June 2019, earlier served as the Steel and Mines Minister in the Naveen Patnaik government.
Asked whether he would be given any major responsibility in the party, the four-time lawmaker from Angul constituency said it is for the BJD president to decide.
Singh, son of former minister AP Singh, is a popular leader in Dhenkanal district. His active participation in party work is considered significant amid speculations of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan contesting the 2024 elections from either Dhenkanal or Sambalpur Lok Sabha seats.
Earlier, in May this year, the then Speaker BK Arukha from Ganjam district had resigned from the post and was appointed as a cabinet minister.
Those holding the posts of speaker and deputy speaker cannot work for the government or his or her party.
PNN & Agencies
