In Kerala, senior congress leader G Karthikeyan has been elected as speaker of the state Assembly today. Including the vote of nominated anglo-indian MLA, the new speaker got 73 votes. The Opposition candidate A K Balan secured 68 votes in the election held under the guidance of pro tem speaker N Shakthan. However, casting of vote by the pro tem speaker has been termed as violation of norms and conventions by the Opposition. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan and leaders of other parties congratulated Karthikeyan on assuming charge as Speaker of the 13th Assembly of Kerala.