G Sudhakaran sworn in as pro-tem speaker

Thiruvananthapuram: Former CPM functionary G Sudhakaran, who won from Ambalappuzha as an independent with UDF support, was sworn in as a member of legislative assembly (MLA) at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday morning. As he had been appointed pro-tem speaker, the oath was administered before governor Rajendra Arlekar. Following this, Sudhakaran also took oath as the pro-tem speaker. Chief minister V D Satheesan and members of the cabinet also attended the function. Speaking to reporters later, Sudhakaran said he was happy to be returning to the assembly once again as an MLA. Responding to discussions over whether former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan would take oath before him, Sudhakaran said he had no interest in such debates. As pro-tem speaker, Sudhakaran will administer the oath to newly elected MLAs during the swearing-in ceremony to be held in the assembly on Thursday. He will also preside over the election of the speaker on Friday. TNN