Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (DC)

Bengaluru, May 22: H D Kumaraswamy who is all set to take oath as the next chief minister on May 23 has agreed to leave the Speaker's post to the Congress during a meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. As per sources, name of the Speaker will be known by evening of May 22.

The Congress-JD(S) combine had joined hands following fractured verdict in the assembly polls. With post-poll alliance though both the parties have been successful in keeping the BJP out of power, there were reports of differences over power-sharing. However, the JD(S) has agreed to leave the crucial Speaker's post to the Congress.

AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal confirmed that the Speaker would be from the Congress.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda had reportedly insisted of having a Speaker from the JD(S) for the smooth functioning of the coalition government.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy has requested his party workers and supporters not to burst crackers and avoid flexes and banners during his swearing-in ceremony.

"I request you not to put up banners, cut-outs and buntings, and burst crackers, which is harmful to the environment. It is my wish that the party workers do not do these things. I know that my party workers will fight for environmental issues. I am confident our party members will save the environment by following my message," he said.