The Best MLA of 2022 Award was presented to Raghunathrao Viswanatharao Deshpande, the Haliyal MLA of Uttara Kannada district.
Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J.C. Madhuswamy, and Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah were all present to honor Deshpande.
Born in 1947, Deshpande is a B.A., LL.B. graduate who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983. He has since been elected to the House eight times, making him the most experienced MLA in the Assembly. During his tenure, Deshpande has held various portfolios, including Small Industries, Large and Medium Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Revenue, and Skill Development.
Raised under the tutelage of former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, Deshpande has worked with at least ten Chief Ministers throughout his career. His dedication to public service has earned him the prestigious Best MLA of 2022 Award.