Karnataka Assembly Speaker, UT Khader, suspended 18 BJP MLAs for six months on Friday for indiscipline. The suspension took immediate effect after the members disrupted the Assembly proceedings earlier that day.
The BJP MLAs were accused of disregarding the Speaker’s orders and acting in a disrespectful and disorderly manner. They climbed the Speaker’s dais, threw papers at him, and protested in the Well of the House. Marshals had to carry them out of the Assembly.
Among the suspended MLAs were prominent figures like Opposition Chief Whip Doddanagouda H Patil, Ashwath Narayan CN, SR Vishwanath, BA Basavaraj, and others. The full list of suspended legislators includes 18 names. These members are now barred from entering the Assembly hall, lobby, or galleries. They are also prohibited from participating in any committee meetings or having any matter listed in the Assembly agenda.
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During the suspension period, the affected MLAs will not be able to issue directives or vote in committee elections. They will also forfeit their daily allowances.
The turmoil in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly was sparked by two major issues. One was the honey-trap scandal, and the other was the alleged approval of a controversial bill that offers a four per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts.
The honey-trap controversy began when Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna alleged that 48 politicians, including central figures, had fallen victim to an elaborate honey-trap scheme. In response, BJP leaders stormed the Well of the House, holding up CDs they claimed contained evidence of blackmail and coercion. The Opposition demanded a full investigation. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured them that no one would be protected, and a high-level probe would follow once a formal complaint was lodged.
Amid this uproar, the Assembly passed a finance bill. However, BJP MLAs, mistakenly believing it to be the bill on the four per cent reservation, tore up and threw copies of the bill. This only added to the chaos.
The bill amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act to reserve four per cent of civil works contracts for Muslims in Category 2B. BJP leaders have criticised this move, calling it unconstitutional and vowing to challenge it legally.
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