Karnataka: Sharada Puryanaik named JD(S) deputy leader

Shimoga Rural MLA Sharada Puryanaik. Credit: DH Photo

In a surprise move, the JD(S) has elected Shimoga Rural MLA Sharada Puryanaik as its deputy leader in the Legislative Assembly.

Sharada will be deputy to JD(S) legislature party leader H D Kumaraswamy.

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Considering suggestions by several senior leaders, the JD(S) has elected a woman as its deputy leader for the first time. Sharada is a two-time MLA.

The regional party had earlier decided to elect Chikkanayakanahalli MLA Suresh Babu as deputy leader. However, in the legislature party meeting held on Monday, Sharada was picked.