The Congress today took strong objection to the appointment of BJP MLA K G Bopaiah as the pro-tem speaker ahead of tomorrow's floor test in Karnataka, alleging he was "dented and tainted" as strictures were passed against him and indicated it might move court against Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision.
Raising questions over Vala's move to appoint him, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said according to convention, the senior-most MLA is appointed the pro-tem speaker and the Governor should have followed past precedents.
The Congress claimed that its eight-time MLA R V Deshpande is the senior-most lawmaker in the assembly and appointing Bopaiah is not according to convention and constitutional norms.
"The option of going back to the court is open," he told reporters when asked whether the Congress is moving court.
"We will positively bring this to matter before the notice of the court." he said when prodded further.
In Bengaluru, Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot, who is camping there, alleged that the Raj Bhawan has shut its doors as it is not accepting the party's complaint against Bopaiah's appointment.
"Raj Bhawan has succumbed to pressure from the BJP and the Centre as it is not ready to accept our letter of protest," he said, adding, "We have the mandate as all our MLAs are together and BJP will not be able to prove its majority."
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