As BJP grappled with dissidence among its MLAs, opposition Congress on Tuesday fielded T B Jayachandra as its candidate to contest the post of Karnataka State Assembly Speaker to be held tomorrow.
Jayachandra, Deputy leader of the Opposition Congress, entered the fray as the Cong-JDS combine nominee.
A motion in favour of Jayachandra was moved by Congress leader in the state assembly Siddaramaiah, which was seconded by its senior leader Dr G Parameshwara.
Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah expressed optimism over Jayachandra winning the election.
The ruling BJP for its part moved two motions seeking Deputy Speaker K G Bopaiah's election to the Speaker's post. While Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa proposed a motion, Energy Minister K S Eswrappa seconded it.
Another motion proposed by Minister for Information Katta Subramanya Naidu and seconded by Minister for Minor Irrigation Govind Karjol was also moved. In the 224-member House, BJP has a strength of 117, Cong 74, JDS 27, Independents six.
The Speaker's post fell vacant after the incumbent Jagadish Shettar, who had emerged as the rallying point for dissidents, was inducted into the ministry after he quit the post last month. PTI
