Bengaluru, Aug 13 (IANS) As the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature commenced on Thursday, Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah was announced as the new Leader of the House in the Legislative Council by Pro-tem Chairman Puttanna.
Soon after the proceedings began, Puttanna made the announcement and welcomed Yathindra Siddaramaiah to his new responsibility.
Addressing the House, Yathindra said this was his first time serving as a minister as well as being appointed Leader of the House, and acknowledged that he had limited experience in the role.
“I have been appointed as a minister and as the Leader of the House for the first time. Since I have limited experience, I request both the ruling and Opposition members to guide me and correct me if I make any mistakes,” he said.
Yathindra appealed to members across the political spectrum to extend their cooperation and guidance during the session.
The members of the ruling Congress party welcomed the announcement by banging their desks.
Yathindra is the son of former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, Siddaramaiah.
Yathindra had represented Varuna Assembly Constituency between 2018 and 2023, and he is currently the member of the Legislative Council.
Yathindra had played a key role in the 2023 Assembly elections in ensuring the victory of his father Siddaramaiah from the Varuna segment in Mysuru district.
The Legislative Council proceedings began on Thursday as part of the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature, with several key issues expected to come up for discussion.
Meanwhile, before the Assembly session began, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara congratulated Pro-tem Speaker T.B. Jayachandra at the Speaker’s chamber in Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.
Later, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara met Chief Minister Shivakumar at his office and congratulated him.
Also, before entering the Assembly for the first session after becoming Chief Minister Shivakumar bowed at the entrance of the Legislative Assembly and later paid his respects at the Chief Minister’s chair on Thursday.
Condolences were paid to departed senior legislators during the Assembly proceedings.
Speaking during the condolence proceedings in the Legislative Assembly for former legislators who passed away recently, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated, former minister and senior BJP leader Ramachandra Gowda, who began his political career as a Bengaluru Municipal Corporation councillor during the Jan Sangh era, was recognised for his public service and administrative efficiency.
He said Gowda had earned appreciation for his efficiency from then President V.V. Giri. He was also honoured as a child-friendly legislator and an outstanding parliamentarian, he said.
He also recalled the contributions of former Kolar MLA and senior advocate K.R. Srinivas, as well as S.H. Puttaranganath, former Raichur MLA Syed Yasin, former Yelahanka representative Srinivas, former Shivamogga MLA H.M. Chandrashekarappa, H. Hanumanthappa and Krishnappa, saying they had made their own contributions to public life and the state.
He also paid tribute to veteran singers S. Janaki and Asha Bhosle, who passed away recently and said that although the two legendary singers were no longer alive, their voices would remain immortal as long as the Sun and Moon exist.
“Their songs will always remain etched in our memories,” he said.
Vijayendra also recalled Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who passed away recently and said she had been a source of strength not only to Deve Gowda but also to the entire family.
–IANS
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