Speaker’s post most respected but ministers can introduce new programmes that benefit public: Khader

Mangaluru: Assembly speaker UT Khader on Tuesday said that while the speaker's office is one of the most respected constitutional positions, ministers enjoy greater opportunities to formulate welfare schemes and directly address public needs through executive action.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Khader said every department of govt has its own importance, but a minister is better placed to introduce new programmes and implement initiatives that directly benefit people.

“A minister gets the opportunity to formulate new schemes and implement welfare measures. As speaker, the role is largely confined to assisting legislators and overseeing the legislative process. It is a highly respected constitutional position with its own privileges, responsibilities and importance, though it also comes with certain limitations,” he said.

Khader dismissed concerns that the speaker’s office could create a disconnect from the public. He said his experience as speaker has been fulfilling, and has not affected his engagement with people from his constituency. “The moment I return to my constituency and interact with people regarding development works, I become an MLA and forget that I am the speaker. Power should never go to one’s head; it should be reflected through one’s work,” he said.

He brushed aside speculation that he has been lobbying for a berth in the state cabinet amid discussions of a possible reshuffle. “The speaker has no high command. At present, I do not belong to any party,” Khader said, adding that his recent visit to New Delhi was to meet officials at the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office and not to seek a ministerial position.

He recalled that his name was among those considered for a cabinet berth when the Siddaramaiah-led govt was formed, but he was later chosen as speaker of the assembly. “Since I continue to hold the speaker’s post, I do not engage in political discussions. Party matters are not on my mind at the moment,” he said.

Responding to questions on reports that he could be inducted into the cabinet, Khader said he had no information on the matter. In a lighter vein, he noted that as speaker he would be seated on the dais during any cabinet swearing-in ceremony.

“As speaker, I will be on the stage during the chief minister’s cabinet swearing-in ceremony. If I become a minister, I may still be on the stage. If I remain only an MLA, I will have to sit in the audience,” he remarked.

Khader further clarified that if a situation requiring his resignation as speaker were to arise, it would have to be submitted to the deputy speaker or the secretary of the assembly secretariat.

He also denied reports of any rivalry with housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan over a possible cabinet position.