Six-time MLA Bikram Keshari Arukha was elected as the new Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday, after Surjya Narayan Patra stepped down from the post on account of health concerns.
Mr. Arukha was Forest and Environment and Parliamentary Affairs Minister in the Naveen Patnaik Government. He was dropped from the Council of Ministers during the recent reconstitutions.
“Mr. Arukha has been a distinguished member of the House since 1995. He has been highlighting problems of the people and requirement of the constituency he represents. He has deep concerns for weaker sections of the society. He had served efficiently in the present government. He was Government Chief Whip and Minister previously. I am sure that the rich experience he has gained would make him a successful Speaker,” said Mr. Patnaik while proposing his name.
