Mangalore City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath has strongly criticized Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader for suspending 18 BJP legislators, accusing him of acting under pressure from the ruling party and violating democratic norms.
Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Suspension
Kamath urged the Speaker to revoke the suspension order, emphasizing that it undermines the dignity of the Speaker’s office. He argued that the decision tarnishes Karnataka’s legislative legacy, particularly since U.T. Khader hails from the historically significant Tulu Nadu region.
A Blow to Democracy?
In his letter, Kamath highlighted Karnataka’s distinguished political history, calling the Vidhana Soudha the “temple of democracy.” He accused the Speaker of abandoning the traditional patience and impartiality expected in legislative proceedings. The suspension of opposition MLAs, he argued, suppresses their rightful duty to question the government and engage in debate.
Right to Protest Suppressed
Kamath maintained that opposition protests are a natural response to government inaction or stubbornness. By silencing elected representatives for six months, he warned that the move could stifle democratic discourse. He questioned how democracy could function if lawmakers are prevented from voicing the concerns of their constituencies.
Reminder of Past Incidents
Drawing attention to past assembly disruptions, Kamath reminded Khader of incidents when opposition leaders had forcefully occupied the Speaker’s chair and disrupted proceedings. Yet, the then-Speaker exercised restraint instead of imposing severe punishments. He challenged Khader to uphold the same democratic spirit rather than setting a dangerous precedent.
Read Also: