Bengaluru: R. Ashoka, a former MLA and deputy chief minister, was named the leader of opposition in the Karnataka assembly by the high command of the BJP on Friday.
According to sources, the announcement was made following a legislative party meeting that took place at a nearby private hotel.
Ashoka’s name was suggested by former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and supported by former minister and MLA V. Sunil Kumar. The national general secretary of the party, Dushyant Kumar Gautam, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were dispatched as observers by the party high command in Delhi.
Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son and newly-appointed state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra were also present at the meeting.
A seven-time MLA, Ashoka presently represents the Padmanabhanagar Assembly constituency in Bengaluru.
Hailing from the Vokkaliga community Ashoka joined the RSS at a young age. He was jailed for a month during the Emergency along with L.K. Advani at the Bengaluru Central Jail.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stirred controversy by stating that the state BJP should not be confined to a family.
“I have discussed the politics of adjustment in the state. I have not made any demands in front of the watchers. The central leadership needs to make the right choices and resist the pressure of a few stooges. Before the meeting, Yatnal stated, “The observers are pleased with my opinion and have promised to bring it up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.”
Additionally, he stated that a leader from the northern Karnataka region ought to be appointed to the position of Leader of Opposition.
