Bengaluru, Mar 21 (UNI) As many as 18 BJP MLAs were suspended from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for a period of six months on Friday following unruly protests over alleged honey-trapping attempts targeting legislators.
Speaker UT Khader took the decision citing 'disrespect to the Chair' as the BJP lawmakers stormed the well of the house and attempted to climb the Speaker’s podium.
The protest erupted after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s budget response, which the BJP termed a 'Halal Budget' due to allocations favouring the Muslim community.
The suspended members include Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, B Suresh Gowda, Umanath Kotyan, CK Ramamurthy, and Yashpal Suvarna, among others. The suspension was enforced under Rule 388 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly’s procedural rules, which mandates action against members obstructing House proceedings.
The controversy stems from Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s recent claim that 48 MLAs were honey-trapped, including himself. BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal raised the issue, alleging Congress ministers were being targeted by organised groups. In response, Rajanna acknowledged an attempt to honey-trap him as well.
Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a high-level probe into the matter, while CM Siddaramaiah assured the house of a thorough investigation. The allegations surface just days after Karnataka Police arrested two women in Tumakuru district for allegedly honey-trapping a BJP leader.
The BJP has condemned the suspension, calling it an attempt to suppress opposition voices in the Assembly.
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