The choice of K. Prathapchandra Shetty from coastal Karnataka for the post of Chairman of the Legislative Council came as a surprise to many and set off a political storm, with the other aspirants expressing their anger and disappointment.
Though he has not been in the forefront of politics in recent days, Mr. Shetty has four decades of experience. In his late 60s now, he is a four-time MLA and three-time MLC. A loyal Congressman and a non-controversial figure, he first entered the Assembly in 1983 and the Council in 2003.