Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Vajubahi Vala on Friday appointed three-time BJP Mla KG Bopaiah as the Pro Tem speaker ahead of crucial floor test scheduled at 4 pm on Saturday.
Karnataka Governor appoints BJP MLA KG Bopaiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of floor test tomorrow. #KarnatakaElectionResults2018 pic.twitter.com/k13EFLKGmy
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018
According to seniority, eight-time Congress MLA from Haliyal, RV Deshpande, should have been made the pro tem speaker but the governor opt for KG Bopaiah to play the crucial role in the floor test.
As per the order of the Supreme Court on Friday, since the pro tem speaker would conduct the floor test, he would also exercise powers like a regular speaker, and also administer oath to all the newly elected MLAs. In theory, his powers could also help the ruling party stay in power and help overcome the hurdles of anti-defection law.
According to the Supreme Court, the pro-tem speaker will also take a call on whether the trust vote should be held through a voice vote or ballot.
Congress party questioned this decision of the governor, Senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the reporters “What the BJP has done is against the rule book. Ideally the senior most leader is supposed to hold that position.”
What the BJP has done is against the rule book. Ideally the senior most leader is supposed to hold that position: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress on BJP MLA KG Bopaiah being appointed as pro-tem speaker. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/1qdqZDSqbl
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2018
Bjp welcomed this decision of governor and alleged the Congress of politicizing this issue. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said the “KG Bopaiah was appointed as Pro Tem speaker even in 2008 by the then Governor. That time Bopaiah was 10 years younger than what he is today. Congress is thus raising hoax objection. The appointment of Bopaiah Ji is as per rules and regulations.”
Earlier today the Supreme Court bench comprising of Justice A.K Sikri, S.A Bobde, and Ashok Bhushan on Friday ordered a floor test to be conducted before Saturday 4 p.m in the Karnataka assembly.
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