Speaker’s election crucial, says JD(S)

Bengaluru: Not only is there is a fight over the formation of the government in Karnataka, but also a battle over the election to the chair of Assembly Speaker of the House. The elections to the post have mostly been unanimous. But this time, there is a threat of cross-voting or abstention from voting for the Congress-JD(S) alliance. In such a situation, the election of the Speaker will determine the future state of affairs.

Congress-JD(S) alliance leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has already announced on Thursday that the coalition will contest for the Speaker’s post and will insist on voting for the post as soon as the elected members are sworn in. Party members feel that having a Speaker from respective parties will help in making quick decisions and think that they would not have a fair chance if the Speaker is from the BJP. On the other hand, BJP sources say that the election of Speaker will be held ahead of the floor test.

“In a House where BJP does not enjoy a majority, it will need cross-voting or MLAs abstaining from voting to win the Speaker’s election. This will be a clear indication as to which way the floor test will go,” a BJP source said.