From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 19: Chief minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticized the opposition BJP members for their uncivilized behavior and disrespectful treatment of Speaker U T Khader during the Legislative Assembly session on Wednesday. The Chief Minister termed the conduct of the BJP members as the saddest day in the history of the State Legislature, expressing concern over the lack of decorum displayed by the opposition.

"We have walked the talk and delivered on our pre-poll promises, unlike the BJP when it was in power or in Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We firmly believe that a strong opposition is necessary for a vibrant democracy. We never said BJP Mukt Bharat, unlike the BJP, which wanted to establish Congress Mukt Bharat," he asserted.

Siddaramaiah highlighted that the BJP's inability to accept its defeat and the prompt implementation of pre-poll promises after the government formation were the primary reasons for their vocal opposition. However, he emphasized that their conduct in insulting the Speaker is an affront to democracy and the rules governing the Legislative Assembly.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the delegation of IAS officers to receive senior opposition leaders, who had served as union ministers and chief ministers, Siddaramaiah defended the gesture as part of the official protocol and reflective of Indian culture's values of treating guests with respect and honor.

"We enhance our own dignity and exhibit our culture by treating guests with due dignity and protocol," he stated.

Referring to the criticism from H D Kumaraswamy regarding the government's action, Siddaramaiah reminded him that IAS officers were also appointed as Liaison Officers to receive national leaders during his own swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister. He questioned Kumaraswamy's apparent lapse in memory on this matter.

Furthermore, Siddaramaiah recounted how late H N Ananth Kumar had requested him to treat the BJP national leaders attending the BJP national executive meeting in Bengaluru as State Guests and accord them due honor as per protocol. He reiterated that he had agreed to the BJP leader's request and had issued orders accordingly.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister highlighted the irony in the BJP's criticism of democratic norms and values while the party itself had failed to elect its Opposition leader for over two months after the assembly elections. This, he suggested, should be the focus of their introspection rather than resorting to disrespectful conduct in the Legislative Assembly.