Bengaluru: Four-time BJP MLA K.G. Bopaiah, who invited the Supreme Court's wrath on grounds that he acted in “hot hate” while disqualifying 11 party legislators and five independents during his controversial tenure as Speaker in 2010, has emerged as the ruling party's choice to fill the vacancy caused by Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar's resignation, on Monday.
Mr Ramesh Kumar, who disqualified 17 MLAs, announced his resignation on the floor of the House today. When the House reconvened, deputy speaker Krishna Reddy announced that as per the Governor's order, the Speaker's election would be held on Wednesday.
Sources in BJP said four candidates – K.G. Bopaiah, Jagadish Shettar, Suresh Kumar and Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri – were considered by top leaders. They were keen on Shettar. He, however, expressed his reluctance to occupy the post on grounds that he is keen to join the cabinet. Therefore, the leaders picked Mr Bopaiah.
Sources said Mr Bopaiah will file papers Tuesday and an election will be held on Wednesday, in case Congress and JD(S) decided to field a candidate. In May 2018, Mr Bopaiah was appointed pro-tem Speaker. He conducted the floor test for Mr Yeddyurappa on the directions of the SC.
