Bengaluru, Apr 28 (UNI) The BJP on Monday formally approached Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, seeking his intervention to revoke the suspension of 18 party MLAs from the Legislative Assembly.

The party’s delegation, led by state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, submitted a memorandum at Raj Bhavan requesting the Governor to direct the Speaker of the Assembly, UT Khader, to reconsider the suspension.

The BJP MLAs were suspended for six months on March 21 for allegedly engaging in "indiscipline" during a protest in the Assembly. The protest, which occurred on the last day of the budget session, saw BJP members climbing onto the Speaker’s podium and throwing papers in opposition to the 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts.

The party also demanded a judicial inquiry into an alleged "honey-trap" controversy involving Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna.

The BJP’s memorandum emphasised that the actions of the MLAs were a peaceful form of protest and not a violation of the Assembly’s decorum. It stated that their behaviour was misinterpreted by both the Speaker and the ruling party.

The 18 MLAs were suspended under Rule 348 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly's Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. The suspension has since led to significant political tension in the state.

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