New Delhi: The Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker-ship is likely to go to Akali Dal (Badal), a key ally of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

Tomorrow (June 8, 2004) is the deadline for filing of nominations for the post, which has been conceded to the Opposition.

The Akalis, with eight MPs, have been expressing keenness for the post on the ground that the party has been with BJP through thick and thin.

Another partner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Shiv Sena, which had initially shown interest in the post, had later decided not to press for it, the sources said.

The sources indicated that a decision on the issue is likely to be taken by early tomorrow so as to enable the Akali candidate to file his nomination.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was authorised by NDA to take a decision on the Deputy Speaker's post.

Akali Dal is keen on having its senior leader Charanjit Singh Atwal for the post.