Vimala Gowda elected deputy chairperson of Karnataka Legislative Council

One of the most vocal members of the legislative council on Monday became its deputy chairperson.

Vimala Gowda, who did not hide the fact that she wanted to become cabinet minister in the BJP government, was elected deputy chairperson unanimously by voice vote.

Her election was marked by the absence of the opposition. After customary congratulatory speeches, question hour and review of legislative business by the chairman, the council too adjourned sine die. The next session will be in February for budget presentation.

At 1.40 pm, after the arrival of chief minister BS Yeddyurappa from Mumbai, council chairman DH Shankar Murthy announced Gowda’s election as hers was the only nomination. The vacancy was caused by the recent removal of Puttanna of the JD(S).

The 23rd deputy chairperson, Gowda (58) is the third woman to occupy the post. The other two were MR Lakshmamma in 1962 and Rani Satish in 1994.

Fondly called Vimalakka, Gowda is a small-scale industrialist and is a second time legislator. With the election of Gowda, the BJP occupies all the posts of presiding officers of both the houses.