9 Karnataka BJP MLAs suspended for throwing paper at Deputy Speaker

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 19, 2023: Nine MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were suspended from the rest of Karnataka Assembly session for throwing papers at Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani while he was on his chair.

 

The suspensions came after the proceedings at the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday were disrupted by uproarious scenes as BJP MLAs expressed their discontent over the Speaker’s refusal to break for lunch during the House session.

 

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: BJP MLAs create ruckus in the Karnataka Assembly; shouting against State Government’s decision to depute IAS officers for an opposition party meeting held in Bengaluru

(Video source: Karnataka Assembly) pic.twitter.com/ABRSTkf6OL

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2023

The turmoil occurred amidst the BJP’s protest against the Congress government, accusing it of "misusing" IAS officers to hold meetings with opposition leaders in the past two days.

Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani was presiding over the proceedings in the absence of Speaker UT Khader, who had stated earlier that there would be no lunch break, and the discussions on the Budget and demands would continue, news agency PTI reported.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Khader suggested that members who wished to have lunch could do so and return for the discussions.

As opposition members from the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) protested from the well of the House, alleging that 30 IAS officers were deputed to serve the Congress alliance leaders in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the BJP members expressed their discontent by throwing papers at the Chair and Deputy Speaker Lamani.

In response to the Speaker’s decision to proceed with the session amidst the protests and without a lunch break, the BJP members convened for a brief huddle before abruptly throwing papers at the Chair, demanding to know the rule under which the lunch was canceled.

The situation escalated as several members continued to throw papers at the Deputy Speaker, leading to chaos in the assembly. Assembly Marshals surrounded the Chair in an attempt to protect Deputy Speaker Lamani from the ruckus.

Later, the MLAs involved in the ruckus were suspended for the rest of the session.

The Congress MLAs condemned the "unruly" behavior of the BJP leaders, further adding to the tense atmosphere in the House. Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the proceedings for the rest of the day.

Earlier in the day, despite protests by BJP and JD(S) members from the well of the House, five bills were passed without any discussion.

Following the adjournment of the House, BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, expressed their consideration of moving a no-confidence motion against the Speaker.

Courtesy: India Today