Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 21: A delegation from the Karnataka BJP met with Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Monday, submitting a memorandum requesting the revocation of the six-month suspension of 18 BJP MLAs.
The MLAs were suspended on March 21 following disruptions in the Assembly, where they protested and threw torn copies of a Bill while demanding a judicial or CBI probe into an alleged honey trap involving Minister K N Rajanna.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka stated, “We met the Speaker and submitted our plea. The incident that occurred inside the Legislative Assembly should have remained within the House. The formation of committees and the six-month suspension of BJP MLAs is not a fair measure.”
He clarified that the protest was a party stance and not intended as an insult to the Speaker’s chair, noting that similar incidents have occurred in the past. “We were protesting as a party over the CD issue. We clarified that the protest was a party stance and that there was no intention to go against the Speaker,” Ashoka said.
Ashoka reported that the Speaker responded respectfully, promising to examine the matter and consult with the Law Minister before making a final decision. “His response was positive,” Ashoka said.
In addition to the suspension issue, LoP Ashoka raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Karnataka, particularly highlighting the recent murder of former DGP Om Prakash. “Karnataka has witnessed murders and rapes. The law and order system has collapsed. Now, even police officers are not safe. Regardless of the reason behind the murder, the incident has made national headlines,” he said.
He criticized the government’s response, stating, “The government should not make irresponsible statements. There is no longer any fear of the police or fear of consequences for criminal activities in Karnataka. Criminals feel they can act with impunity. This mindset is leading to such incidents.”
Ashoka emphasised the need for the police department to function effectively, claiming, “People are clueless about who is running the police department. This incident raises the question of whether the government is even alive.”
The murder of former DGP Om Prakash, whose wife and daughter are now under investigation, has further amplified concerns about the state’s security situation.