Dharmegowda is Council dy chairperson

JD(S) member S L Dharmegowda was, on Wednesday, unanimously elected as the deputy chairman of the Legislative Council. The post had been lying vacant for the last six months.

Dharmegowda, who was the regional party’s last-minute choice, was the only contender in fray for the deputy chairman’s election.

He is the elder brother of S L Bhojegowda, a sitting JD(S) MLC. While the Congress decided to let go of the contest, owing to coalition obligations, the BJP didn’t field a candidate for lack of numbers. Ruling and Opposition members alike heaped praises on Dharmegowda, saying he was the government’s right choice for the
post.

Thanking the members for their warmth, Dharmegowda said he had no inkling that his party leadership would zero in on him.

“All the members have said good things about me, which is heartening. I had not even imagined that I will be part of the Upper House, let alone be elected as the deputy chairman. I thank the JD(S) leadership for identifying me and giving me the opportunity,” he said.

“I will uphold the ‘raja dharma’ while discharging my duties,” he added.