UT Khadar, MLA, representing Mangaluru constituency in Dakshin Kannada district has been appointed as Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the State Legislative Assembly. Former CM Siddaramaiah is the leader of the party and the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly

“Hon’ble Congress President has appointed Shri U T Khader, MLA as Deputy leader of Congress Legislative Party in Karnataka Legislative Assembly, with immediate effect,” an AICC release signed by party General Secretary K C Venugopal said.

In a tweet, he said, “I look forward to work closely with the office bearers, members and workers to strengthen the party in the state at the grass root level, and address issues concerning to the welfare of citizens.”

Former minister Khader’s appointment is being seen as a move by the Congress to conciliate the Muslim community, ahead of the Assembly polls in 2023. The move comes days after senior Congress leader and MLC C M Ibrahim said that he has decided to quit the party and the post, upset over not being made the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council. According to sources, there were murmurs within the party about a Muslim leader being denied an opportunity, after senior leader B K Hariprasad was appointed Leader of the Legislative Council.