Former Minister UT Khader selected as surprise choice for K’taka Assembly Speaker: Reports
Mangaluru: In a surprising development, the Congress party has reportedly finalized former minister UT Khader as its choice for the position of the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. While the names of RV Deshpande, TB Jayachandra, and HK Patil were initially rumored for the role, the Congress party has now decided on UT Khader at the last minute.
State Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and National General Secretary KC Venugopal reached out to UT Khader and held discussions with him. Khader was reportedly told that Rahul Gandhi had insisted that important positions should be given to minorities. The party deemed UT Khader suitable for the prestigious and responsible role of Speaker. After Khader agreed, he held further discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
It is learned that Khader will file nominations for the post of Speaker on Tuesday morning. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will be signing the nomination papers extending support to Khader.
If elected, Khader will be the first Muslim leader to take charge as the speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that the Congress party has made a commitment to offer a ministerial position to Khader during the cabinet reshuffle scheduled to take place after two years.
The selection of UT Khader for the role of Speaker marks a surprising twist in the assembly's leadership. This decision demonstrates the party's focus on providing opportunities to individuals from minority communities and ensuring their representation in important positions.
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Death toll in Mundathikode fireworks explosion rises to 16
Thrissur (Kerala) (PTI): One more person who had been hospitalised following the Mundathikode fireworks explosion died at Thrissur Medical College on Sunday, police said.
With this, the death toll in the incident has risen to 16.
According to Thrissur Medical College police, the deceased has been identified as Unnikrishnan from Edappal, who was among the 38 persons present at the fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode where the explosions occurred on April 21.
Police said Unnikrishnan had suffered over 80 per cent burns and had remained in critical condition.
The condition of the two other injured persons remains critical, police said.
Of the 38 persons present at the site, 16 have died, while four remain missing.
The fireworks were being manufactured for Thiruvambady Devaswom as part of the Thrissur Pooram festivities.
The licensee of the unit had also suffered burn injuries and had died earlier.
