MLA Vedavyas Kamath questions Karnataka Speaker’s act of suspending 18 MLAs

MLA Vedavyas Kamath questions Karnataka Speaker’s act of suspending 18 MLAs

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 25, 2025: Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has questioned Assembly Speaker U T Khader for suspending 18 BJP MLAs allegedly for disrespecting the chair of the Speaker.

He urged the Speaker to immediately withdraw the suspension order, issued under the pressure of the ruling party in violation of rules, and uphold the dignity of the Speaker’s chair.

In a letter to the speaker, Kamath said "Looking at the political history of the country, it becomes evident that Karnataka has a highly distinctive political background. Our Vidhana Soudha, revered as the temple of democracy, holds a prestigious status that the entire nation can look up to. However, it is deeply regrettable that the Speaker from our Tulu Nadu region has now tarnished the proud legacy with his actions, leaving a permanent black mark.

Kamath said "If we turn the pages of past legislative assembly proceedings, we see a history filled with struggles. The Speaker, who holds the great responsibility of ensuring smooth parliamentary proceedings within the democratic system, has always remained patient even in difficult situations, guiding legislators about their responsibilities and upholding the rights and duties of all members. However, the current Speaker has acted against the principles of democracy, setting a bad precedent," he added.

In a democratic system, it is the duty and responsibility of the opposition parties to question matters that threaten the welfare of the state, to oppose them legitimately, and to demand a fair investigation. This is exactly what BJP members did. If the government refuses to listen and takes a stubborn approach, protests in the assembly are natural. But by suppressing the very right to protest, the Speaker, acting at the behest  of the ruling party, has suspended 18 BJP legislators for six months. This move signals the end of enlightened political discourse. Legislators represent the voices of the people in their respective constituencies.  If these voices are silenced, where does democracy stand? he asked.

"Do you remember the incidents that took place in the very house when you were the Deputy Leader of the Opposition? The people of the state have not forgotten who tried to snatch the Speaker’s microphone, who forcefully climbed onto the Speaker’s chair, and how the Speaker was insulted in the past. Yet, the then-Speaker handled the situation with restraint and did not impose such severe punishments on anyone," he said.