Karnataka Assembly speaker elections

Bangalore, May 25: It is well known News that, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will face a floor test on Friday, which he is widely expected to sail through, barring any unforeseeable events, ending the 10-day political uncertainty in the state.

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday fielded senior leader S Suresh Kumar as its candidate in the election for the post of Karnataka Assembly speaker to be held on Friday, apparently to force a trial of strength before the HD Kumaraswamy government seeks vote of confidence.

The Ruling Govt Congress-JD(S) coalition, which claims to enjoy the support of 117 MLAs, has plumped for Congress' Ramesh Kumar, a former speaker, as its candidate for the post.

Ramesh Kumar also filed his nomination papers. Suresh Kumar told reporters that he has filed his nomination on the directions from BJP's state unit chief BS Yeddyurappa and other leaders.

"Based on the strength of numbers and various other factors, our party leaders have confidence that I will win. With that confidence I have filed my nomination," he said.