<p class="bodytext">JD(S) member S L Dharmegowda was, on Wednesday, unanimously elected as the deputy chairman of the Legislative Council. The post had been lying vacant for the last six months.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Dharmegowda, who was the regional party’s last-minute choice, was the only contender in fray for the deputy chairman’s election.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He is the elder brother of S L Bhojegowda, a sitting JD(S) MLC. While the Congress decided to let go of the contest, owing to coalition obligations, the BJP didn’t field a candidate for lack of numbers. Ruling and Opposition members alike heaped praises on Dharmegowda, saying he was the government’s right choice for the<br />post.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Thanking the members for their warmth, Dharmegowda said he had no inkling that his party leadership would zero in on him.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“All the members have said good things about me, which is heartening. I had not even imagined that I will be part of the Upper House, let alone be elected as the deputy chairman. I thank the JD(S) leadership for identifying me and giving me the opportunity,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“I will uphold the ‘raja dharma’ while discharging my duties,” he added.</p>
<p class="bodytext">JD(S) member S L Dharmegowda was, on Wednesday, unanimously elected as the deputy chairman of the Legislative Council. The post had been lying vacant for the last six months.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Dharmegowda, who was the regional party’s last-minute choice, was the only contender in fray for the deputy chairman’s election.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He is the elder brother of S L Bhojegowda, a sitting JD(S) MLC. While the Congress decided to let go of the contest, owing to coalition obligations, the BJP didn’t field a candidate for lack of numbers. Ruling and Opposition members alike heaped praises on Dharmegowda, saying he was the government’s right choice for the<br />post.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Thanking the members for their warmth, Dharmegowda said he had no inkling that his party leadership would zero in on him.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“All the members have said good things about me, which is heartening. I had not even imagined that I will be part of the Upper House, let alone be elected as the deputy chairman. I thank the JD(S) leadership for identifying me and giving me the opportunity,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“I will uphold the ‘raja dharma’ while discharging my duties,” he added.</p>