Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 2: The Karnataka BJP launched a strong protest at the Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, condemning the suspension of 18 of its MLAs for six months. Party leaders demanded an immediate revocation of the suspension, calling the decision undemocratic and unconstitutional.

The demonstration, held in front of the statue of former chief minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, saw the participation of senior BJP leaders, including leader of the opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra, along with several MLAs and MLCs.

The suspension, which took effect on March 21, was imposed on charges of disrespecting the Speaker’s Chair and throwing torn copies of a Bill at him. Addressing the media, R Ashoka accused Speaker U T Khader of acting unfairly. “We were protesting in the Assembly for justice, opposing the 4 per cent Muslim quota. The Speaker has no right to suspend elected representatives,” he asserted.

Ashoka further criticized Khader’s handling of Assembly proceedings and recalled past incidents of violence within the legislature. He also accused the Speaker of misusing his position for personal and political motives.

B Y Vijayendra, echoing these sentiments, questioned the rationale behind the suspension. “The Speaker is supposed to remain neutral. His actions show he is acting as an agent of the ruling party. We demand the unconditional revocation of the suspension,” he stated.

The BJP leaders also targeted the state government over rising fuel and essential commodity prices. Vijayendra warned that the government’s ‘arrogance’ would backfire and urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to reconsider the price hikes.

With tensions escalating, BJP MLAs and MLCs have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, including boycotting committee meetings until the suspension is lifted.