Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 21: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on the last day of the session on Friday as BJP members, protesting over the alleged honey trap scandal, stormed the Well of the House, tore copies of Bills, and flung them towards Speaker U T Khader’s chair. The disruptions led to the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs for six months.

Speaker Khader, while announcing his ruling, stated, “I may forgive you, but disrespect towards the Speaker’s chair cannot be forgiven.” He then suspended 18 BJP MLAs under Rule 348 of the Assembly proceedings for showing disregard towards the Speaker’s chair. The suspended MLAs include Doddana Gowda Patil, Ashwath Narayan, S R Vishwanath, Byrathi Basavaraj, M R Patel, Channabasappa, Umanath Kotian, Suresh Gowda, Shailendra Beldale, Sharanu Salagar, C K Ramamurthy, Yashpal Suvarna, Harish B P, Bharath Shetty, Basavaraj Mattimood, Dheeraj Muniraju, Munirathna, and Chandru Lamani.

The opposition strongly condemned the Speaker’s decision.

Protests over honey trap allegations

As marshals stood guard around the Speaker’s chair, BJP and JD(S) legislators intensified their protest by tearing copies of the Finance Bill and hurling them towards the Speaker’s podium. Some members even approached the Speaker’s table, throwing torn copies of the Bill onto it.

Despite the disruptions, chief minister Siddaramaiah read out his response and moved the Finance Bill. When Speaker Khader continued proceedings and proposed the Muslim quota Bill for discussion, the opposition renewed its protest, once again flinging copies of the Bill at his chair.

Amid the ruckus, BJP MLAs shouted slogans against the Congress-led Karnataka government, calling it a "sex scam government" and a "honey trap government." They also displayed CDs in the House as part of their demonstration.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticized the government, calling the budget a "4 per cent Muslim quota halal budget" and branding the administration a "honey trap government." As tensions escalated, Speaker Khader adjourned the Assembly.

Opposition demands judicial probe

Earlier, BJP and JD(S) members, raising the honey trap issue, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s announcement of an investigation. They demanded that the case be handed over to a judicial probe or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urging an immediate announcement.

Responding to the demand, home minister G Parameshwara stated that cooperation minister K N Rajanna—who had claimed an attempt was made 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 cover up the issue.

R Ashoka pointed out that minister Rajanna had claimed that central ministers and judges were also targeted.

“How can the state police conduct an investigation against them? Even the chief minister’s close associate has been targeted. Congress leaders themselves admit that their own party members are involved. What is stopping you from ordering a judicial probe?” Ashoka questioned.

Parameshwara responded that he could not take such a decision alone.

BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar mocked the government, asking, “How much money has this government allocated for honey trapping in this budget?”

Former home minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra alleged that the government was trying to cover up the case.

On Thursday, minister Rajanna had claimed on the floor of the House that political rivals had attempted to honey-trap him and demanded an investigation.

Parameshwara later 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 emphasised.

The controversy led to heated exchanges in the Assembly, with members becoming emotional while debating the matter.