Senior legislator Dr Kodela Siva Prasad Rao was on Friday unanimously elected as the first Speaker of the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh's Legislative Assembly.
A general physician by profession, 67-year-old Kodela began his political career in 1983, and got elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly 6 times.
He had served as a minister in previous TDP regimes, and handled portfolios including Panchayat Raj, Health, Irrigation and Home.
Kodela's candidature was proposed by the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. Protem Speaker P Narayana Swamy announced the unopposed election of Kodela.
Chandrababu Naidu, Jaganmohan Reddy and other legislators then escorted Kodela to the chair.
Speaking on the occasion, Naidu recalled his long association with Kodela, and expressed confidence that he would use his skills effectively to run the House.
Congratulating Kodela, Jaganmohan Reddy hoped that the Speaker would provide equal opportunities to the opposition parties to raise their issues in the Assembly.
Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and other legislators also congratulated the new Speaker. (INN)