Bangalore, Dec 29 (PTI) : As BJP grappled with dissidence among its MLAs, opposition Congress today fielded T B Jayachandra as its candidate to contest the post of Karnataka State Assembly Speaker to be held tomorrow.

Jayachandra, Deputy leader of the Opposition Congress, entered the fray as the Cong-JDS combine nominee.

A motion in favour of Jayachandra was moved by Congress leader in the state assembly Siddaramaiah, which was seconded by its senior leader Dr G Parameshwara.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah expressed optimism over Jayachandra winning the election.

The ruling BJP for its part moved two motions seeking Deputy Speaker K G Bopaiah's election to the Speaker's post. While Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa proposed a motion, Energy Minister K S Eswrappa seconded it.

Another motion proposed by Minister for Information Katta Subramanya Naidu and seconded by Minister for Minor Irrigation Govind Karjol was also moved.