The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed veteran politician Kota Srinivas Poojary, 64, as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, marking a significant development six months after the party's defeat in the Assembly election.
A seasoned OBC (Other Backward Classes) leader, Poojary's appointment to the crucial position was confirmed by the high command on Monday.
Poojary previously served as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council during 2018-19 and as the Leader of the House in the Council from 2019 to 2023.
Besides, the BJP has also appointed Senior MLC N Ravikumar as the Chief Whip in the Legislative Council. Arvind Bellad, BJP MLA from North Karnataka, has been named Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.
The new appointments follow lobbying efforts by leaders from North Karnataka seeking prominent roles within the party.
Arvind Bellad and Basangouda Patil Yatnal had vied for positions such as Leader of Opposition or State President.
Despite their efforts, Bellad, a Lingayat leader, secured the role of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly after careful consideration.
Notably, Yatnal, who openly criticised BS Yediyurappa and his son, BJP State President BY Vijayendra, did not receive any party position.
Published By:
Vadapalli Nithin Kumar
Published On:
Dec 25, 2023
English (US) ·