Bengaluru, 22 Jan

Karnataka BJP leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP), R Ashoka on Thursday urged Speaker UT Khader to take strict action against those who allegedly blocked Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's way as he was departing the House.

The BJP leader was likely referring to MLC BK Hariprasad confronting Gehlot when the Governor was walking out of theAssembly. Hariprasad’s robe was partially ripped during the ensuing scuffle. Congress members also raised slogans against Gehlot.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Ashoka said, "According to Rule-27 of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly's procedure and conduct… no member shall… interrupt or cause disruption to the Governor's address during the Governor's address.”

Such interruption or be considered a serious breach of the order of the House, Ashoka noted, requesting disciplinary action against MLAs and MLCs.

“The Governor acts as a bridge between the state and central governments,” Ashoka also told press.

On X, Ashoka also attacked Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil. He said that Patil endorsed parliamentarians when they disrupted the Governor. “Patil has forfeited all moral authority to continue in that office even for a moment longer.”

He called it a “black day” in Karnataka’s legislative history.

Similarly, BJP State President BYVijayendra defended Gehlot and accused the Congress of “misusing” the floor of the House to foster public resentment against the Centre.

“Let me remind Siddaramaiah that he is the chief minister of Karnataka state and not the Congress party. He should not lower the dignity of the gubernatorial post. He should also not lower the dignity of the house. It is his responsibility,” he added.

Reacting to the governor’s decision to read his own speech, Vijayendra said they cannot expect the governor to act like a puppet and follow their directions.

Vijayendra said that the Congress was blaming the Centre over the repeal of the MGNREGA to cover up its own failures.

The Chief Minister should seek an apology regarding the behaviour of his party and should take action against those who tried to stop and attack the governor,” Vijayendra added.