Six months subsequent to facing defeat in the Karnataka Assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a noteworthy step by appointing Kota Srinivas Poojary, a seasoned politician aged 64, as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
This development, confirmed by the party's high command on Monday, signifies a significant move by the BJP, coming half a year after the party's setback in the Assembly election. Kota Srinivas Poojary, recognized as an experienced leader from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), assumes the crucial position of Leader of the Opposition.
Poojary's political journey includes his prior role as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council during 2018-19. Subsequently, he served as the Leader of the House in the Council from 2019 to 2023.
In addition to Poojary's appointment, the BJP has also named N Ravikumar, a Senior Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), as the Chief Whip in the Legislative Council. Meanwhile, Arvind Bellad, an MLA from North Karnataka, has been designated as the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.
These recent appointments reflect the outcome of lobbying endeavors by leaders from North Karnataka, actively seeking prominent roles within the party. The competition for positions such as Leader of the Opposition or State President involved notable contenders like Arvind Bellad and Basangouda Patil Yatnal.
Despite the competitive dynamics, Arvind Bellad, known as a Lingayat leader, secured the position of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly following careful deliberation. Notably, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who openly voiced criticism against BS Yediyurappa and BJP State President BY Vijayendra, did not secure any party position.
