Bengaluru: In a dramatic turn of events, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed an unprecedented political upheaval on the last day of its budget session. The Assembly descended into chaos as 18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months following their aggressive protests and alleged “disrespect” towards Speaker U T Khader. The suspension, proposed by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, was swiftly adopted by the House.
Unruly Protests Disrupt Proceedings–The high-voltage drama unfolded as BJP legislators stormed the Well of the House, shouting slogans and demanding a judicial probe into an alleged “honey trap” scandal involving a minister. The opposition also fiercely opposed an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, which reserved four percent of public contracts for Muslim contractors. Amid the escalating tensions, the legislators climbed onto the Speaker’s podium, threw papers at him, and attempted to surround his chair.
The suspended legislators, demanding an investigation into the allegations, stormed the Speaker’s podium, tore official documents, and hurled pieces of paper at the Speaker’s desk. The protest erupted after the government declined to order a judicial or CBI probe into Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s claims that he and 48 others, including legislators, central leaders, and judges, were targets of a honey-trap attempt.
Speaker Khader, condemning the act, stated, “This chair is not just a seat; it is the symbol of democracy, truth, and justice. Every member must protect its dignity.” As the protest spiraled out of control, marshals were summoned to evict the unruly MLAs, who initially refused to leave, prompting their forcible removal.
Among the suspended legislators were prominent BJP leaders, including BJP Chief Whip Doddanna Gouda Patil, C N Ashwath Narayan, and S R Vishwanath. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka strongly condemned the decision, calling it “an attempt to silence the opposition” and accusing the government of failing to protect Minister K N Rajanna, who first raised concerns about the honey trap scandal.
The controversy also extended to the Legislative Council, where BJP MLCs tore the amendment bill and threw it into the Well of the House, directly confronting Council Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti. The Bill in question sought to amend the KTPP Act, adding Muslims under Category-2B of the OBC list, allowing them to receive four percent of contracts in public procurements. This move was heavily criticized by the opposition, who termed it “an unconstitutional misadventure” and vowed to challenge it in court.
Amidst the furore, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured a high-level probe into the honey trap allegations. “No one will be protected regardless of their political affiliation. A thorough investigation will be conducted,” he affirmed. Home Minister G Parameshwara reiterated that Minister Rajanna had been encouraged to file a formal complaint to initiate the probe.
The political turbulence has set the stage for an intense legal and electoral battle, with the BJP and JD(S) vowing to escalate their opposition. As Karnataka braces for the fallout of this political storm, the coming months will determine how the government and opposition navigate this high-stakes confrontation.
