BJP fields candidate for Karnataka Assembly speaker's post

Don't want to miss the best from Business Standard?

The opposition BJP today fielded senior leader S Suresh Kumar as its candidate in the election for the post of Karnataka Assembly Speaker to be held tomorrow, apparently to force a trial of strength before the H D Kumaraswamy government seeks vote of confidence.

Suresh Kumar, a fifth term MLA from the city, filed his nomination papers before Assembly Secretary S Murthy at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition, which claims to enjoy the support of 117 MLAs, has plumped for Congress's Ramesh Kumar, a former Speaker, as its candidate for the post.

Ramesh Kumar also filed his nomination papers.

Suresh Kumar told reporters that he has filed his nomination on the directions from BJP's state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa and other leaders.

"Based on the strength of numbers and various other factors, our party leaders have confidence that I will win. With that confidence I have filed my nomination," he said.

Asked about his chances of winning since the BJP has only 104 MLAs on its side, Suresh Kumar said, "I have filed my nomination. There is election tomorrow at 12.15 pm. After the election you will get to know (the outcome)."
He said, "I got to know that the BJP has also filed nomination... I hope they will withdraw. If election happens Ramesh Kumar's victory is certain."