BJP's Mankal Vaidya elected unopposed as Karnataka Deputy Speaker

Mankal Vaidya secured the Deputy Speaker position in the Karnataka Assembly after no other candidate filed nominations for the role, making his election unopposed. The Uttara Kannada-based BJP MLA's elevation was supported by colleagues from his district during the proceedings.

Former minister R. V. Deshpande and fellow BJP legislator Dinkar K. Shetty, both representing constituencies in Uttara Kannada, spoke during the election proceedings. Their remarks centered on Vaidya's administrative achievements and his experience in public service, underlining his suitability for the leadership position.

The Deputy Speaker role places Vaidya among the senior functionaries of the 224-member Karnataka Legislative Assembly. As the second-ranking officer in the House after the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over proceedings in the absence of the Speaker and performs other constitutional duties.

Vaidya's unopposed election reflects the ruling BJP's strength in the current Assembly composition. The development comes as the state government continues to consolidate its legislative leadership positions ahead of the assembly's ongoing business.