18 BJP MLAs Face Six-Month Suspension in Karnataka Assembly Amid Honey Trap Scandal
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a major political upheaval, 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months from the Karnataka Assembly for disrespecting the Speaker’s Chair. The suspension follows a chaotic protest demanding an investigation into a honey trap incident involving a minister. This controversy is set to have substantial implications for state politics.
Key Takeaways
- 18 BJP MLAs suspended for 6 months.
- Disrespect shown to the Speaker’s Chair.
- Protest for judicial probe into honey trap.
- Speaker emphasizes the dignity of the Chair.
- Political implications for Karnataka's governance.
Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, 18 BJP MLAs have been suspended for a duration of six months from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, effective immediately, due to allegations of showing disrespect to the Speaker’s Chair on Friday.
The suspension was enacted after the assembly sessions were disrupted by protests in the Well of the House, where the MLAs demanded a judicial or CBI investigation into the purported honey trap incident involving Minister for Cooperation, K.N. Rajanna.
Speaker U.T. Khader announced the suspension and instructed the MLAs to exit the House. In response, BJP members congregated in the Well and vehemently protested against this decision.
The suspended MLAs include Doddanagouda H. Patil, former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, S.R. Vishwanath, Byrathi Basavaraj, M.R. Patil, Channabasappa, B. Suresh Gowda, Umanath Kotayan, Sharan Salagar, Shailendra Beldal, C.K. Ramamurthy, Yashpal S. Suvarna, Harish B.P., Y. Bharat Shetty, N. Munirathna, Basavaraj Muttimud, Dhiraj Muniraj, and Chandru Lamani.
The assembly marshals had to physically escort the suspended members from the chamber after it was adjourned, resulting in widespread uproar. This incident is anticipated to spark a significant controversy in the state's political landscape.
Earlier, when the assembly reconvened post-adjournment, Speaker U.T. Khader expressed, “The incident that unfolded in the House today has distressed us all. It is regrettable. This Chair symbolizes truth and justice. Every member must honor the dignity and importance of this Chair. We must exercise caution in our words and actions to prevent disrespect towards the Speaker’s Chair.”
This statement referenced an earlier occurrence when BJP and JD(S) legislators tore copies of the Finance Bill and hurled them towards the Speaker’s chair, with some even approaching the podium to tear and toss the documents onto his desk.
During this time, Speaker Khader had instructed the marshals to refrain from forcibly removing opposition members and urged the protesting legislators to step back, while marshals positioned themselves beside his chair.
As he continued with proceedings and introduced the Muslim quota Bill for discussion, the opposition escalated their protests, once again throwing copies of the Bill toward the Speaker’s chair.
Later in the day, while addressing the assembly regarding the incident, the Speaker underscored that no individual is above the Chair, and personal feelings must not undermine its dignity.
“We must behave with dignity, commitment, peace, and decorum. This incident should serve as a valuable lesson for the future. Let us safeguard the dignity of the Chair and the Constitution,” Khader remarked.
“I convey a serious warning. If anyone obstructs the Chair and disrupts proceedings in this House, it will not be acceptable,” he added.
In light of Speaker Khader’s proposal to suspend the MLAs, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil noted, “The members have tarnished the dignity and honor of this House. They threw books and documents at the Chair. They engaged in hooliganism, which this House will not accept. There must be mutual respect and accountability towards the people. They must respect the Chair — this is the law, and it is our obligation. The 18 named MLAs should be barred from the Legislative Assembly for six months. I support this proposal.”
Subsequently, Speaker Khader put the suspension proposal to a vote, in accordance with Section 338 of the Karnataka State Legislature Proceedings. The House approved the proposal immediately.
“I ask the suspended members to exit the House,” Speaker Khader declared before adjourning the session.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the suspension, labeling it a disgraceful matter.
R. Ashoka alleged a conspiracy to oust the current Chief Minister of the Congress government. “We are opposing this. The government should feel embarrassed. What if the same happens to the ministers present here? The honey trap attempt targeted a Congress Minister from the Scheduled Tribe community, and he remains unprotected,” he asserted.
