Bengaluru, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has called for a ruling from Speaker U.T. Khader concerning the letter submitted by the party regarding the alleged disrespect exhibited by Congress legislators towards Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot after he opted not to deliver the speech prepared by the state government.

The BJP has additionally requested that the Speaker take disciplinary action against Congress legislators, including Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil.

On Friday, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, brought the matter up in the House and reminded Speaker Khader about the letter. “Mr. Speaker, we have submitted a letter regarding this issue. You mentioned that you would provide a ruling today. The Chief Minister and others greeted the Governor with respect upon his arrival, but that same respect was lacking when he left,” Ashoka stated.

In response, Speaker Khader asserted that this claim was untrue. Ashoka countered, asserting that he personally witnessed the events unfold, and urged the Speaker to review the available video footage. “Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad claimed that his clothes were torn. Is this not a serious issue? Who is responsible for tearing the clothing of a senior Congress leader?” Ashoka questioned.

“You claim that nothing occurred. Such a statement undermines the authority of the Speaker. Your ruling will be documented. When the Governor departed, he was left alone. This amounts to disrespect towards him. Minister H.K. Patil was involved in this as well. There is evidence on record. As the Law Minister, he stated that the Governor 'ran away.' If this is the precedent being set during your tenure, standards must be established,” Ashoka asserted.

He emphasized that the time had come for action against those who dishonored the Governor. “When will you suspend them? Previously, you suspended 18 BJP MLAs for six months over alleged misconduct, even though you lacked the authority for such a lengthy suspension. The matter concerning the Governor is sensitive. Anyone seen in the video obstructing or attempting to stop the Governor should face consequences,” he demanded.

Speaker Khader indicated that he would deliver his ruling in two days.

Former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan remarked that the rules were unambiguous. “Rule 27 states that during the Governor’s address, when both Houses of the Legislature convene under Article 175, no member shall obstruct the Governor before or after the address. Any obstruction during this period is considered a serious violation of the House's dignity and must be addressed by the Speaker in the next session. Therefore, the ruling should be provided today,” he urged.

“Members acted at their discretion and obstructed the Governor, and we possess video evidence. If no action is taken or ruling provided, how will the dignity of the House be preserved? I implore you to uphold the House's honor. Why are you not demonstrating the same urgency that you did when suspending 18 BJP MLAs? The Constitution does not stipulate that the Governor is obligated to read the state government's prepared speech,” he added.

He advocated for apologies to be extended first and for a resolution condemning the incident to be passed.

Senior BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar pointed out that the misbehavior of ministers and ruling party members during the Governor’s address had been brought to the Speaker’s attention. “It is our duty to show respect to the Governor. Shortly after taking office, Speaker Khader suspended eight opposition MLAs for disrespecting the Chair. Subsequently, 18 BJP MLAs were suspended. If no ruling is issued and the session continues without action against those who disrespected the Governor, what honor does this House maintain?” he questioned.

He insisted that all ruling party members, including Law Minister H.K. Patil, who disrespected the Governor, should be suspended. “This hooligan government has shown disrespect to the Governor,” he claimed.

Speaker Khader objected to the term “hooligan government” and instructed that it be expunged from the records.

Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda stated that the Governor should have remained until the national anthem was performed. “This issue should be addressed first. Insulting the national anthem and flag is a serious offense. That should be deliberated. Obstructing the Governor is not a major offense; disrespecting the national anthem is a grave crime,” he argued.

Speaker Khader responded, “Let’s advocate for our causes, not against one another. In certain matters, we must transcend party lines.”