Turmoil in Karnataka Assembly over Honey Trap Claims; Opposition Throws Torn Finance Bill Copies at Speaker
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Synopsis
Bengaluru saw dramatic events unfold as BJP legislators protested against alleged honey-trap scandals by storming the Assembly and throwing torn copies of Bills at the Speaker. The chaos escalated as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attempted to address the situation amidst vociferous opposition.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in Karnataka Assembly over honey trap allegations.
- BJP and JD(S) members hurled torn copies of Bills at Speaker Khader.
- Opposition accused the government of being a "honey trap government".
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed a Muslim quota Bill amidst protests.
- Calls for a judicial probe into the honey trap allegations intensified.
Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly experienced a tumultuous scene on Friday, the final day of the session, as BJP members, in protest over the alleged honey-trap scandal, surged into the Well of the House and hurled torn copies of Bills and books towards Speaker Khader's chair.
Marshals were stationed on either side of Speaker Khader's chair, intercepting the torn copies of Bills and books that were thrown at him.
In the midst of the uproar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delivered his response in the Assembly, and the Finance Bill was presented.
BJP and JD(S) legislators ripped copies of the Finance Bill and tossed them towards the Speaker’s chair, with some members even approaching the Speaker’s podium, tearing the Bill copies, and flinging them onto his table.
As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged that the BJP leaders be restrained, Speaker Khader instructed the marshals not to forcibly remove Opposition members.
Subsequently, Speaker Khader requested the protesting members to step back, while marshals maintained their positions on either side of his chair.
As he continued the proceedings and proposed the Muslim quota Bill for discussion, the Opposition escalated their protests and once more threw copies of the Bill towards the Speaker’s chair.
The Opposition chanted slogans against the Karnataka government, branding it a "sex scam government" and a "honey trap government." BJP MLAs also displayed CDs during their protest.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP), R. Ashoka, condemned the government, describing the budget as a "4 percent Muslim quota halal budget" and denouncing the administration as a "honey trap government."
Amid the escalating tumult, Speaker Khader adjourned the Assembly.
Prior to this, after raising the honey trap issue, BJP and JD(S) members expressed their dissatisfaction with merely announcing an investigation. They demanded a judicial inquiry or the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), along with an immediate announcement regarding the same.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara responded, stating that Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna, who had alleged an attempt to honey-trap him, had not yet filed a formal complaint.
“We do not know the details of his complaint. I have discussed the matter with the Chief Minister. I have already committed to initiating a high-level probe. That decision needs further discussion, and the Opposition’s views will also be considered,” he said.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal insisted that the government must not conceal the issue.
LoP Ashoka highlighted that the minister had claimed that central ministers and judges were also targeted.
“How can the state police department conduct an investigation against them? Even the Chief Minister’s close associate has been targeted. Congress leaders themselves are admitting that their own party members are involved. What is preventing you from ordering a judicial probe?” Ashoka queried.
In response, Home Minister Parameshwara stated that he could not make such a decision alone.
BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar ridiculed the government, asking, “How much money has this government allocated for honey trapping in this budget?”
Former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra accused the government of attempting to cover up the honey trap case.
Earlier, Minister Rajanna had claimed in the House on Thursday that political rivals tried to honey-trap him and that the matter requires investigation.
Responding to the issue, Parameshwara announced that a high-level probe would be conducted.
"This is a question of the honour of every member of this House. We must put an end to it," he stressed.
The issue ignited a heated debate in the Legislative Assembly, leading to dramatic developments as members became emotional while discussing the matter.
