Won't accept Deputy Assembly Speaker post, says Cong MLA Puttarangashetty

The MLA, who is a strong ministerial aspirant, said he decided not to accept the post following the views expressed by his supporters and voters

Chamarajnagar MLA C Puttarangashetty who is upset over not being made minister, said that he would not accept the post of Deputy Speaker. He has already communicated this decision to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said.

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He was speaking to media persons at Uppinamole village of Yelandur taluk of Chamarajnagar district on Sunday.

"My supporters and party workers have pressured me not to accept the post of Deputy Speaker. Also if I accept that post, it would be difficult for me to maintain my connection with the people of the constituency. District Congress leaders are insisting me to seek the post of at least chairperson of any of the boards or corporations," Puttarangashetty said.

Noting that he represents the Uppara community and was aspiring to be a Minister, he said, if he accepts the responsibility of the Deputy Speaker, he cannot be amidst his people and it will be difficult for him to function. "I have conveyed this to Siddaramaiah (Chief Minister) too, but he insisted that I should accept it, but I had told him that I will ask my people and decide.....it will be difficult for me to function in the constituency and I may lose link with the people of the segment as I may stay away from it for long," he added.

Responding to a query, Puttarangashetty said he was assured a Minister position and hence he had been to Delhi. "But on reaching Bengaluru, I got to know that I have not made it to the Ministry. I don't know what the reason is, Siddaramiah can explain," he said, adding that his supporters, who were upset staged a protest and have requested him to function just as an MLA.

Puttarangashetty’s candidature for the Deputy Speaker’s post has been approved by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, the party had said recently.

He won from Chamarajanagara defeating BJP's V Somanna, who was Minister in the previous government.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday had expanded his cabinet by inducting 24 new Ministers.

(With PTI inputs)