BJP must find new Leader of Oppn for Karnataka Legislative Council
14 Jun 2024 12:25 PM IST
Image Courtesy : DC
Mangaluru, June 13: Following the election of Kota Srinivas Poojary as the Member of Parliament, the BJP is now tasked with appointing a new leader of the opposition for the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Poojary, who has been a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) since 2008, served as the leader of the opposition from 2018 to 2019. When BJP came to power in 2019, he was appointed as a Minister. After the BJP's defeat in the 2023 election, Kota was reappointed as the leader of opposition in the Council. His recent departure necessitates the appointment of a new leader capable of challenging the government in the legislative forum.
Party insiders indicate that the BJP is seeking a robust leader who can effectively monitor the government and hold the Congress accountable in the Council. The selection process is expected to consider caste dynamics as well.
CT Ravi, who lost in the 2023 Assembly election and subsequently entered the Council as an MLC last week, is noted for his vigorous critiques of Congress. Though he is one of the likely persons for the post, party sources suggest he is unlikely to be selected for the opposition leader role.
"The leader of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is R. Ashoka, who is from the Vokkaliga community, as is CT Ravi. The party may not favor appointing leaders of the opposition in both the houses from the same community. Additionally, CT Ravi is a first-time MLC, while there are more senior candidates," a senior party leader told Deccan Chronicle.
Among the potential candidates, N. Ravi Kumar's name is making rounds within party circles.
An MLC since 2018 and re-elected this year, Ravi Kumar belongs to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and has roots in the Sangh Parivar. He currently serves as the BJP's Chief Whip in the Council and maintains strong connections with prominent party figures such as B.S. Yediyurappa and B.Y. Vijayendra. His eloquence in the Council and experience as the State General Secretary of the BJP further bolster his candidacy.
Nevertheless, the BJP may opt for a different candidate based on various strategic considerations.
Following the 2023 election setback, it took the party approximately six months to appoint leaders of opposition for both the Council and the Assembly. All eyes are on BJP leaders to see who will be appointed as the successor of Kota Srinivas Poojary in the Council.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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