Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah was appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
The post of Leader of Opposition was vacant for over two months with the party consulting with several leaders on their preference for the post.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was one of the front-runners for the post alongside senior Congress leader HK Patil. The appointment comes ahead of the legislature session of the Karnataka Assembly beginning on Thursday. It is set to continue for three days from October 10 to 12.
Meanwhile, SR Patil was chosen as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council.
After the disqualifications of 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs, the strength of the house has reduced to 208, and the BJP has the support of 105 MLAs and Independent MLA H Nagesh. There are 66 Congress MLAs and 34 JD(S) MLAs along with a lone BSP MLA in the house.
The BJP is not expected to face difficulties in passing bills since it enjoys majority support in the house.
Opposition leaders have stated that they will take up the issue of the lack of flood rehabilitation funds for the state.
The legislature session was scheduled to be held in Belagavi, just like last year, however it was shifted to Bengaluru. The reason cited for the decision was the devastation caused by the floods in Belagavi.