Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday urged Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khadar to revoke the six-month suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, calling the move a “blatant attack on democracy” at a time when the state faces critical challenges, including floods and governance issues.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karandlaje stated,
“The suspension of 18 BJP MLAs from the Karnataka Assembly for 6 months is a blatant attack on democracy. Raising people’s issues is not indiscipline, it is a legislator’s duty. Silencing elected voices sets a dangerous precedent. At a time when Karnataka is battling floods and urgent challenges, this move denies citizens their rightful representation. I urge the Hon’ble Speaker to revoke the suspension immediately.”
Karandlaje also addressed her concerns in a formal letter to Speaker Khadar, dated May 22, 2025. She wrote:
“The suspension of these elected representatives for such a long duration is not only disproportionate but also raises serious questions about democratic functioning. The heated discussion concerning the alleged honey-trapping scandal and the issue of 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts was a legitimate expression of dissent—an integral part of a vibrant democracy.”
She emphasized that suspension deprives lakhs of constituents of their representation and called for a more balanced approach in handling disruptions on the Assembly floor.
“In a parliamentary democracy, protest is not disruption; it is a form of participation. Denying these MLAs access to committee meetings and legislative responsibilities silences the voices of their constituencies. I urge you to reconsider this decision and take the necessary steps to revoke the suspension.”
Background: March 21 Assembly Chaos
The Karnataka Speaker suspended 18 BJP MLAs on March 21, 2025, for what was deemed disorderly conduct during a House session. The ruckus broke out during discussions on two contentious matters:
- A Bill introduced by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, granting 4% reservation to minorities, including Muslims, in government contract work.
- Allegations of a “honey trap” scandal raised by Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, which the BJP claimed was part of a larger conspiracy to target opposition legislators.
Visuals from the session showed BJP MLAs storming into the Well of the House, shouting slogans, and tearing and throwing papers at the Speaker’s chair. Some legislators were carried out by marshals.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka described the suspension as “an attack on people’s representatives,” while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the government’s stance, stating there would be no protection for anyone involved in the honey trap scandal and asserting that the government’s actions were in line with maintaining order and discipline.