Khader dismisses buzz on DCM post, defers to party

Mangaluru: Assembly speaker UT Khader Monday dismissed speculation over his possible elevation as deputy chief minister, saying positions are not decided by social media campaigns but by assessing performance and contributions.

Responding to questions, Khader said he had no plans to rush to Delhi and would remain in the state.

Reflecting on his political career, Khader said he had been recognised for his work in various roles. “As an MLA, I received an assembly award. As a health minister and a food minister in the past, I received national awards. Based on my performance, I was entrusted with responsibilities such as deputy leader of the house, and later I was made speaker,” he said, adding that the party would take decisions based on his performance.

Khader stressed he would abide by any decision taken by the party high command. Referring to his tenure as Dakshina Kannada district minister, he cited initiatives such as the introduction of the Sand Bazaar app and measures against skill-based gaming activities as examples of his work.