Karnataka Congress MLA UT Khadar Shined as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition during the 15th Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which was replaced by A. new assembly Known for his calm and composed demeanor after the May 10 election, the 53-year-old MLA from Mangalore remained the party’s main focus during the last few assembly sessions. Khader’s surprise nomination came as the new Speaker of the Assembly, despite being considered a strong contender for a ministerial berth in the new Congress government.
During his time in the assembly, Khadar fearlessly addressed various issues affecting the public, often challenging the BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai. He fought the government on the floor of the Assembly on several occasions, often when top party leaders such as the Leader of the Opposition and current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were absent.
He frequently raised concerns about minority welfare, including the BJP’s biased empathy for victims of communal violence and attempts by right-wing groups to communalise issues.
“Some actions of the government show that the intentions of this government are not noble. All their activities and statements and actions are focused on polarizing the society. The actions of the CM and the home minister clearly show that they are controlled by other organisations,” Khadar had said last year, adding that the BJP and allied organizations had criticized Muslim practices such as prayer calls and use of meat certified as halal. Tried to make it communal, as quoted by Indian Express.
Khadar was among the rare politicians, other than HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal (Secular), to criticize the BJP government last year after the chief minister visited homes of members of the majority community and avoided families of religious minorities following incidents of communal killings. It was , “It clearly shows that the government has a different policy for the minorities in the state and a different policy for their party workers. They are not working as per the Constitution and their clear agenda is evident in their actions,” the MLA said.
Khader is widely known for a non-confrontational attitude outside the legislature, building bridges between communities and across political divides to achieve goals. Khader served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Deputy LOP) between February 2022 and March.
This unexpected turn of events places Khader in a position of power and influence within the assembly, where he will now preside over proceedings and ensure fair debate and discussion among members.
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