U.T. Khader Resigns as Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ahead of Cabinet Formation
Khader’s resignation comes as D.K. Shivakumar prepares to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru: U.T. Khader has stepped down as Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, adding to the political developments ahead of D.K. Shivakumar’s swearing in as Chief Minister.
Khader submitted his resignation letter to Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Manappa Lamani. His move is being seen as a strong indication that he may be inducted into the new cabinet headed by Shivakumar.
According to reports, Khader resigned soon after receiving a call from Chief Minister designate D.K. Shivakumar, asking him to be ready to take oath as a minister.
Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The ceremony is expected to be held with tight security arrangements, as several political leaders and invitees are likely to attend.
Authorities have also issued traffic and security arrangements around the venue to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
Khader, a senior Congress leader from coastal Karnataka, had been serving as Speaker since May 2023. His possible entry into the cabinet is expected to give representation to the coastal region in the new government.