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Karnataka: BJP's KG Bopaiah is the temporary Speaker, Congress cries foul

KG Bopaiah of the BJP has been appointed the pro-tem Speaker of Karnataka. But Congress has appealed the SC, stating the Bopaiah is not the senior-most member of the Karnataka Legislature

BJP's KG Bopaiah is the temporary Speaker of Karnataka, Congress cries foul

KG Bopaiah of the BJP has been appointed the pro-tem Speaker of Karnataka. Governor administered the oath to the temporary Speaker, who will conduct the floor test, tomorrow at 4 PM.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed that floor test to prove majority must be held at 4 PM tomorrow (May 18). The temporary Speaker does not enjoy all the powers of the Speaker but acts like one till the majority is proved and the Speaker is elected by the Governor.

The temporary Speaker is appointed on the basis of seniority. Earlier, BJP leader Umesh Katti and Congress leader RV Deshpande's names were doing the rounds for the post of temporary Speaker.

KG Bopaiah is the MLA from Virajpet Constituency.

But Congress has cried foul over the appointment of Bopaiah as the Speaker. There is a chance of disqualifying 7 JD(S) MLAs, which will bring down the number needed for the simple majority to 110 from 112.

Currently, BJP is trying to consult the legal authorities to see if the temporary Speaker has the power to disqualify the rebel MLAs.

Congress has alleged that Bopaiah is not the senior most member of the Legislature and is moving the Supreme Court regarding his appointment as the temporary Speaker. RV Deshpande is a 8-time MLA, whereas KG Bopaiah was is a 3-time MLA, wich makes Deshpande senior to Bopaiah. 

Thus Congress is approaching the Supreme Court, citing the Bopaiah's appointment is against the rule, as temporary Speaker is selected on the basis of seniority.

Whereas BJP has said that Bopaiah was selected as the pro-tem speaker in 2008 also by teh Goverrnor. So he has been appointed according to the rule.

 

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