New Delhi: Ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) today (May 31, 2004) offered Deputy Speakership of Lok Sabha to the Opposition in a bid to reach unanimity on the election of Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPM) leader Somnath Chatterjee as the Speaker.

"I discussed the issue with senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader L K Advani and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) convener George Fernandes today and conveyed the offer of Deputy Speakership to the Opposition," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters.

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Asked about their response, Azad said, "Let them discuss the issue among themselves. They will get back to us. We cannot expect an immediate response in the very first meeting."

He has also sought an appointment with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and hoped to meet him in this regard, Azad said in reply to a question.