The BJP and JD(S) stalled proceedings in both Houses of the Karnataka legislature for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the dismissal of planning and statistics minister B Nagendra over his alleged involvement in the multi-crore rupee embezzlement case in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC).
Former minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet Mankal S Vaidya was elected deputy speaker. He represents Bhatkal constituency in Uttara Kannada district. Vaidya’s name had been proposed for induction into Shivakumar’s cabinet but he was dropped to accommodate SS Mallikarjuna from Davanagere North.
Umashree, a noted Kannada film actor, was nominated to the Legislative Council in 2023 and served as a minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet in 2013.
In her thanksgiving speech after being elected, she said she entered politics and social service to be among people, overcome pain and immerse herself in public life.
Congress leader AS Ponnanna, earlier proposed for the post, has now been appointed Shivakumar’s political secretary with cabinet status.
