Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 3: The Karnataka BJP and JD(S) staged a protest march on Monday, targeting the Congress-led state government for allegedly disrespecting Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and the Raj Bhavan. The demonstration took place ahead of the first day of the budget session.
Led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra, all BJP MLAs and MLCs joined the march from the Legislators' Home to Vidhana Soudha.
Protesters held banners with sharp slogans, including "Shame on the Congress for not respecting the Governor’s authority even after the High Court upheld it!" and "Condemnation to the Chief Minister for tarnishing the constitutional office of the Governor!" The placards also criticized the Congress government for allegedly curtailing the Governor’s role as Chancellor and indulging in "low-level politics in the name of the Governor."
Addressing the media, R Ashoka accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of undermining democracy and pushing the state into a financial crisis due to its guarantee schemes. He claimed the government was metaphorically ‘holding a beggar’s bowl’ due to fiscal mismanagement.
Ashoka alleged that the Congress-led state government was attempting to diminish the Governor's constitutional powers, reminiscent of how the party had historically amended the Constitution the most at the national level.
He further criticized the Congress for not providing necessary clarifications on pending bills as requested by the Governor and for making him deliver a speech filled with praise for their governance. "The Congress has stooped low by handing over a speech to the Governor that glorifies their administration. How could they do that?" Ashoka questioned.
Highlighting the contradiction, he said, "On one hand, the Congress claims the Governor is unfair, yet on the other, they expect him to praise their government in his address to the joint session. This hypocrisy is what led us to organize this protest march."