K’taka Assembly: U T Khader emerges as unexpected choice for Speaker’s post

Bengaluru: Mangaluru MLA UT Khader has been finalized as the surprising choice for the post of Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

RV Deshpande is currently serving as the Protem Speaker. Names of many senior MLAs including  Gadag MLA HK Patil, Shira MLA TB Jayachandra, Madhugiri MLA KN Rajanna, and Muddebiha MLA CS Appaji Nadagowda were being considered for the Speaker’s post.

According to sources, Khader got a phone call from Congress state-in-charge Randeep Surjewala on Monday night, suggesting him for the post of Vidhana Sabha Speaker. Khader, who has reportedly given his consent, will file the nomination for his candidacy on Tuesday.

The election for the Speaker’s position is scheduled for Wednesday.

Known for his previous portfolios in the Siddaramaiah government, including Health and Family Welfare, Urban Development, and Housing, Khader is one of only two Congress MLAs elected from the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.