National

Former Minister U.T. Khader likely to assume role of Karnataka Assembly Speaker

• By IANS , Bengaluru
• May 23, 2023
• 755

U.T. Khader, a former minister and Congress MLA, is set to take on the prestigious role of Speaker in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

After senior party members declined the offer, expressing their preference to continue as MLAs, the party's high command successfully convinced Khader to assume the position, sources revealed.

According to insiders, Khader is expected to file his nomination papers on Tuesday before the noon deadline.

The Speaker election is scheduled for May 24, and Khader is poised to secure a unanimous victory in line with longstanding traditions. With his soft-spoken demeanor, Khader has been elected five times from the Mangaluru (Ullal) constituency.

During the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah in 2013, Khader served as the Minister for Health and Food Supply. Additionally, he held the position of deputy leader of the Opposition party in the state Assembly.

Initially, veteran leaders R.V. Deshapande, T.B. Jayachandra, and H.K. Patil were shortlisted by the party for the esteemed Speaker's post. However, these senior members flatly declined the offer, with Deshapande even stating that he believed himself undeserving of the position.

AICC Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala personally reached out to Khader, urging him to assume the role in the best interest of the party. They assured him that the party would duly acknowledge his contributions.

Subsequently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also spoke with Khader, effectively persuading him to accept the position.

Despite hailing from the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada region, Khader has consistently refrained from making provocative statements or engaging in hate speech. Consequently, he has garnered the trust and support of individuals from diverse religious backgrounds.

As the nomination deadline approaches, Khader's submission is expected to solidify his candidacy as the frontrunner for the coveted Speaker role.

If elected, Khader's appointment would mark a significant milestone in his political career and provide him with a platform to serve the interests of the people and the party. (Edited)