The BJP, which has majority in the Assembly, is hoping that Deputy Speaker Bopaiah would be the unanimous choice of the House.

But, the JD (S) is keen on making the best of the dissidence in the ruling BJP. In case a section of the dissident BJP MLAs stay away from the House at the time of voting, then the combined Congress and JD (S) can outsmart the BJP, sources in the JD (S) said.

Some of the BJP MLAs are contemplating to embarrass the party by staying away from the House on December 30. The Party is yet to issue a whip to its MLAs.

Sources in the Congress however said that it has not decided on fielding a candidate.