Should K'taka BJP's Call to Governor for MLAs' Suspension Revocation Be Heeded?

Bengaluru, April 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has formally approached Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Monday, advocating for the lifting of the suspension order affecting 18 party MLAs and requesting directives to Speaker U.T. Khader on this matter.

In their appeal, the BJP implored the Governor to employ his influence to persuade the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to reassess the suspension of the 18 MLAs, who are part of the primary opposition party in the state.

The suspension occurred after the MLAs consistently caused disruptions, resulting in numerous adjournments of the Assembly and even tearing up copies of Bills, which they threw at the Speaker's Chair.

The delegation on Monday was led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka alongside BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra.

LoP Ashoka remarked, “I respectfully request that the suspension be lifted, allowing the affected legislators to resume their duties as public representatives and to take all necessary actions to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy in Karnataka.”

Vijayendra expressed that the Speaker should avoid acting as a mere 'puppet' for the ruling party.

In a statement to the media, Vijayendra asserted that the decision to suspend the 18 BJP MLAs for six months contradicted constitutional norms and urged the Speaker not to endorse this action.

He called on the Speaker to reconsider his decision after discussions with the ruling party. He elaborated that they had met the Governor, seeking his intervention and guidance to the government.

Vijayendra highlighted that the suspension of the 18 BJP MLAs occurred during the recent Assembly session. Despite multiple requests from the LoP and other BJP MLAs to the Speaker, the suspension was not rescinded.

He also drew attention to the Speaker's earlier statement in Mangaluru, indicating that the decision to suspend the 18 MLAs was not solely his own.

The submission included the statement, “We write this letter with the utmost respect regarding the suspension order dated March 21, concerning 18 MLAs. During that Assembly session, discussions on sensitive topics like honey-trapping and the 4 percent reservation for Muslims escalated into a confrontation. As the opposition, we gathered near the Speaker’s Chair in protest.”

“The Speaker and the ruling party misinterpreted our actions as a breach of the House's decorum. Consequently, under Rule 348 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 18 legislators faced a six-month suspension accompanied by additional restrictions,” the BJP articulated.

“We respectfully contend that the events of March 21 were neither premeditated nor meant to disrespect the Chair. Had the Speaker summoned the concerned legislators for clarifications that day, we would have gladly explained our actions and reaffirmed our respect for the Chair and the House.

“Regrettably, no such opportunity was provided before imposing significant restrictions on 18 duly-elected representatives, effectively hindering their ability to serve their constituents,” the BJP concluded in their letter.