Speculation Rises Over DCM Post; Speaker U.T. Khader Breaks Silence, Says Duty Takes Precedence Over Power

By Editor

Posted on June 2, 2026

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Speculation Rises Over DCM Post; Speaker U.T. Khader Breaks Silence, Says Duty Takes Precedence Over Power

Mangaluru : Amid intense political maneuvering and fierce competition for the upcoming state cabinet reshuffle, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has finally broken his silence regarding rumors of him being considered for the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) post. Addressing the media in Mangaluru, Khader distanced himself from the ongoing speculation, stating that he has only come across such reports through media channels and has received no official communication regarding the matter. He clarified that he remains fully committed to his current responsibility as the Speaker and is not actively aspiring for any new political designation.

He emphasized that allocating responsibilities and deciding administrative roles is the absolute prerogative of the state government and the party high command. Khader expressed confidence that if the leadership decides to bestow any higher responsibility upon him in the future, it will be solely based on his track record of dedicated service. Recalling the political developments of 2023, he mentioned that while he was initially expected to join the cabinet as a minister, the party chose to appoint him to the prestigious position of the Speaker, a duty he claims to have performed with utmost integrity and without any lapses.

Asserting that public service holds greater value for him than official titles or political clout, Khader remarked that he would engage in open discussions about active politics only after stepping down from the Speaker’s chair. He also dismissed rumors of a political rivalry between himself and Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan over cabinet positions, putting an end to ongoing friction theories. He stated that political alignments should not be confused with personal friendships, adding that during his visits to Bengaluru, he meets colleagues purely as well-wishers and urged the media not to paint those interactions with a political brush.

Reflecting on his tenure over the last three years atop the highest legislative seat in the state, Khader expressed deep satisfaction with his role, stating that every elected MLA should ideally experience the honor of holding the Speaker’s position at least once in their career. He credited the Congress party, grassroots workers, and the voters of his constituency for nurturing his political growth from a humble party worker to his current standing, reaffirming his pride in serving the assembly with transparency and unwavering dedication.