The Speaker of Lok Sabha, like Speakers of other elected Assemblies, while acting as such does not and cannot represent any political party and in the discharge of his or her duties and functions, the Speaker did not and does not owe allegiance to any political party and does not support any Party and consistent with that position, I have scrupulously kept myself away from all political activities whatsoever.

I have said on many occasions that I have no matter or issue of my own, except to see that the House runs according to the Constitution and its Rules of Procedure and Conventions, to which only, l owed and owe allegiance so long as I remain the Speaker.

On 6 July 2008 when the General Secretary of the Party met me to explain generally the Party’s stand on the issue of the Nuclear Deal, I was informed that Party had not even discussed any matter concerning me. On the morning of 9 July 2008 the General Secretary telephonically conveyed that a section of the Party felt that my continuance as Speaker may be untenable, however, it was stated that the final decision would be taken by me.

On 9 July 2008, I was surprised to learn from the media that my name was mentioned in the communication to the Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji, without any intimation to or discussion with me. Till today, I have not seen nor been shown any copy of the communication sent by the Party to the Rashtrapatiji. Significantly after the leaders of different Left Parties met the Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji, at the press conference that was held, the General Secretary of CPI(M) categorically reiterated that it was for the Speaker himself to decide his course of action.

... contd.