BJP appoints Kota Srinivas Poojary as LoP of Legislative Council

In a strategic move six months after facing defeat in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Kota Srinivas Poojary as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.

The appointment, approved by the BJP high command on December 25, marks Poojary’s return to the role, having previously served as Leader of Opposition in the Council during 2018-19 and as Leader of the House in the Council from 2019 to 2023.

Sunil Valyapure, a contender for the post, has been appointed as Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Council, while senior MLC N. Ravikumar takes on the role of Chief Whip in the Council.

In the Assembly, Arvind Bellad, who had been vying for the positions of president of the BJP unit in Karnataka and leader of opposition, has been appointed as Deputy Leader of Opposition. Doddanagouda G. Patil, a senior MLA from Hunugund, Bagalkot district, has been named the Chief Whip of the party in the Assembly.

This comprehensive reshuffle signifies the BJP’s commitment to regaining political ground in Karnataka. Notably, the appointments include key figures like V. Sunil Kumar and Arvind Bellad, while individuals openly critical of the party, such as Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, have not been given any posts. The move reflects the party’s strategic approach to balancing experienced leaders with emerging voices in its renewed leadership team.