Bengaluru: The Congress high command has reportedly decided to accommodate several senior legislators who were left out of the recent Karnataka cabinet expansion by assigning them key positions in the state legislature.
According to party sources, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has finalised names for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, as well as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council. However, no official announcement has been made so far.
Sources said G.S. Patil, MLA from Ron in Gadag district, is likely to be appointed as the new Speaker of the Assembly. A.S. Ponnanna, MLA from Virajpet in Kodagu district, is expected to be named Deputy Speaker.
For the Legislative Council, Saleem Ahmed has reportedly been chosen for the post of Chairman, while Umashree is likely to be appointed Deputy Chairperson.
The move is being seen as an attempt by the Congress leadership to balance regional and political representation after several senior MLAs were denied ministerial berths during the cabinet expansion.
An official confirmation is awaited, and the appointments are expected to be announced after the high command gives its final approval.
