CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Senior Congress leaders G.S. Patil and Saleem Ahmed on Thursday filed their nominations for the posts of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman, respectively.
Ron MLA G.S. Patil submitted his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara and Ministers K.N. Shivalingegowda, K.H. Muniyappa, Priyank Kharge and Basantappa, besides several party leaders.
Saleem Ahmed filed his nomination for the Legislative Council Chairman’s post.
The Congress high command had earlier considered several names for the Assembly Speaker’s position before finalising G.S. Patil. Saleem Ahmed was similarly chosen as the party’s candidate for the Council Chairman’s post.
The high command has also announced Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna as its candidate for Assembly Deputy Speaker and former minister Umashree for Legislative Council Deputy Chairman. Congress sources indicated that there would be no change in the announced candidates for the presiding posts.
However, the possible entry of Gayathri Shanthegowda into the race for Deputy Chairman has triggered fresh speculation. Her name reportedly emerged at the last minute as a possible replacement for Umashree.
Gayathri’s name had earlier figured among probable contenders for a Cabinet berth. With one ministerial position still vacant, her name, along with those of Umashree, Lakshmi Hebbalkar and Kaneez Fatima, is also being discussed for the post.
Key appointments
Congress has finalised G.S. Patil and Saleem Ahmed as its candidates for Karnataka Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman. A.S. Ponnanna has been named for Assembly Deputy Speaker, while Umashree is the announced candidate for Council Deputy Chairman. However, speculation over Gayathri Shanthegowda’s possible candidature has revived interest. Her name is also among those being discussed for the lone vacant Cabinet berth, alongside several senior Congress leaders.