Bengaluru, Aug 20 (NationPress) – BJP legislators, under the leadership of Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, dramatically walked out of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. This protest was in response to Speaker U.T. Khader's decision to disallow a discussion concerning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks about the acceptance and execution of the judicial commission report on internal reservation.

After Siddaramaiah announced that the government had accepted the Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission report, with some modifications, and implemented its recommendations on the long-standing issue of internal reservation, Ashoka and fellow BJP leaders insisted on a discussion.

However, Speaker Khader rejected this request, citing a lack of provisions in the guidelines. Shortly thereafter, Siddaramaiah rose to leave the House.

Ashoka mocked him, suggesting the CM was fleeing due to fear. Siddaramaiah countered that in his 42 years of political experience, he has never feared anyone. Khader clarified that the Chief Minister was merely heading to the Legislative Council.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan remarked that the framework for internal reservation was initially crafted by the previous BJP administration and criticized Congress for merely re-presenting it.

Ashoka also argued that the Speaker has allowed discussions on government statements in the past.

“If the CM had any courage, he would have remained in the Assembly. Why did he leave? What innovative solution have they proposed regarding internal reservation? The Congress government set up the Sadashiva Commission, but it was the BJP that provided the necessary infrastructure. It is former CM and current BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai who deserves credit for internal reservation,” he emphasized.

He further claimed, “This report is a hodgepodge. All oppressed communities are taking to the streets in protest.”

BJP MLA and State General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar recited the guidelines, arguing that a discussion could indeed be permitted. Khader reiterated that the decision lies solely with the Speaker.

Senior BJP MLA S. Suresh Kumar stressed that the principle of natural justice must prevail.

“When the CM makes a statement, seeking clarification is only reasonable. Instead of engaging in dialogue, Siddaramaiah opted to exit the Assembly like the leader of the opposition,” he pointed out.

Sunil Kumar sarcastically added that perhaps the criticism was too harsh for the CM to handle.

Ashoka stated that the matter concerns both Dalits and the state. “The opposition has a constitutional right to discuss this. On what basis has the Congress government chosen the 6-6-5 formula for internal reservation? Should I discard this statement? Under whose influence are you making these decisions?” he questioned Speaker Khader.

Ashoka noted, “I have witnessed ruling party MLAs transition to opposition four times. If Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar has been elected eight times, I have won seven. I understand the strategies you used while in opposition.”

In response, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated: “We have resolved an issue that had been pending for 25 years. The Scheduled Caste community is satisfied. I urge you to also find satisfaction.” Ashoka then quipped that since the departure of K.N. Rajanna, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah, from the Cabinet, Shivakumar has become more dynamic.

Speaker Khader acknowledged that while the Opposition’s demand for discussion was valid, the government’s refusal was also within its rights. He suggested that the issue could be revisited the following morning, emphasizing that the Speaker’s ruling is final. In protest, Ashoka then declared a walkout.

Law Minister H.K. Patil accused the BJP of staging a theatrical performance, adding that citizens across the state had welcomed the Congress government’s decision regarding internal reservation and were celebrating it.