Congress picks Mankal Vaidya as Karnataka Deputy Speaker amid OBC push

Karnataka Congress has replaced its original deputy speaker candidate, Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna, with Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya. The Times of India reports the change was made to consolidate smaller OBC communities, as Vaidya hails from the Mogaveera community. Vaidya filed nomination papers with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s election.

The Hindu reports Vaidya was elected unopposed on August 18 after the principal opposition BJP facilitated the unanimous election, though the party had boycotted it alleging the candidature was recommended by the Congress high command. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said Vaidya, from a fishing community, should not see the deputy speaker post as a lesser position. Leader of Opposition R Ashok urged Speaker G S Patil to give Vaidya regular opportunities to preside over proceedings.

Vaidya was first elected as an independent in 2013, later joined Congress, and served as minister for ports and fisheries for three years. The deputy speaker post came after he was denied a cabinet berth in the second phase of expansion, when S S Mallikarjun was inducted at the last moment. The Congress also retained Umashree as its deputy chairman candidate in the legislative council, and CM Shivakumar has assured a woman face will be inducted into his cabinet soon.