The Karnataka Legislative Assembly is set to elect a new Speaker on 14 August 2026. Congress MLA Ron G.S. Patil filed his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The opposition BJP announced a boycott, alleging that the Congress high command violated democratic norms by pre‑selecting candidates through a letterhead.
Key Developments
- Ron G.S. Patil submitted his nomination at the office of Assembly Secretary M.K. Vishalakshi in Vidhana Soudha.
- Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Minister K.H. Muniyappa, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and former Minister H.K. Patil were present.
- The BJP claims the Congress “insulted” the constitutional post by installing its candidate without a house vote.
- Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed also filed nomination for Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
- Former Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti alleged he was forced to resign after the Congress announced a new chairman through its letterhead.
- Leader of Opposition R. Ashok criticised the Congress for breaking parliamentary convention and said the BJP’s protest is against anti‑democratic practice, not against the Speaker’s Chair.
Important Facts
- Both elections are scheduled for Friday, 14 August 2026.
- The BJP’s boycott is limited to the Speaker election; it has not ruled out participation in the Council Chairman vote.
- Congress’s approach of announcing candidates via letterhead is unpreceden