Bengaluru: Ten MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were on Wednesday suspended for the rest of the Karnataka Assembly session.
The suspensions came after BJP legislators threw papers at Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani, who was presiding over proceedings in the absence of Speaker UT Khader, who had said earlier that there would be no lunch break and discussions on the Budget would continue, PTI reported.
Proceedings of the legislative Assembly were disrupted after BJP MLAs expressed their displeasure over the Speaker’s refusal to break for lunch during the House session.
There was turmoil amidst BJP’s protest against the recently-installed Congress government, accusing it of “misusing” IAS officers to hold meetings with Opposition leaders.
Opposition members belonging to BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) protested from the well of the House, alleging that 30 IAS officers were deputed to serve Congress alliance leaders in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
BJP legislators got together in a huddle in response to the Speaker’s decision to proceed with proceedings amidst protests and without a lunch break
Showing their disgust, a group of BJP MLAs threw papers at the Chair and Deputy Speaker Lamani, demanding an explanation for cancellation of lunch.
The situation escalated with several members continuing to throw papers at the Deputy Speaker, leading to a chaotic situation in the assembly. Assembly Marshals surrounded the Chair to protect Deputy Speaker Lamani.
The MLAs involved in the ruckus were later suspended for the rest of the session.
Congress MLAs condemned the “unruly” behaviour of BJP MLAs, making the atmosphere even more tense. The Deputy Speaker subsequently adjourned proceedings for the day.
One of the BJP MLAs, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, fell unconscious following ruckus outside the Karnataka Assembly. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
“This is the black day for Democracy. There was a murder of democracy today. They (10 BJP MLAs) have been suspended for their small agitation. We will fight for the right of the suspended MLAs,” former Karnataka CM Bommai said.
