Former Federation Council member (2012–2014) and professional kickboxer Batu Khasikov was appointed acting Head of Kalmykia in March 2019.

[3] Khasikov's first term was tumultuous as already in September–October 2019, mere weeks after Khasikov's election, protests swept through the republic as people opposed the appointment of Orlov to the Federation Council and nomination of DNR official Dmitry Trapeznikov as Mayor of Elista.

In October 2020 leaders of three factions in the People's Khural of Kalmykia – Communist Party, A Just Russia and, even, United Russia – wrote an open letter to President Vladimir Putin, where they accused Khasikov of mishandling of Covid-19 pandemic, lack of support for farmers, and general negligence.

[7] Batu Khasikov also strengthened his positions after the 2023 Kalmykia parliamentary election, when United Russia retained its majority winning 23 out of 27 seats,[8] and, importantly for Khasikov, when his critics, like former United Russia faction leader Saglar Bakinova, lost their seats in the Khural.

In late April 2024 People's Khural of Kalmykia made amendments to the electoral law, lowering the municipal filter from 9% to 7%.