"The BJP has decided to appoint Rajeev Bindal, who is a legislator from Nahan, as the Vidhan Sabha Speaker," a statement by BJP state President Satpal Satti said.

Bindal was the Health Minister in the previous BJP government in the state led by Prem Kumar Dhumal from 2007-12.

Once the new MLAs take oath, Bindal has to be elected by the Assembly to be the Speaker.

The first assembly session of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government is likely to be held in Dharamsala town, some 250 km from the state capital, in January.