Karnataka Speaker UT Khader Advocates for Public Trust in Lawmaking
In a significant statement from Mangaluru, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader highlighted on Monday that any new legislation should be implemented only after thorough consideration to avoid causing inconvenience to people of any region, community, or religion. He stressed the importance of gaining universal trust before enacting laws, underscoring his commitment to constitutional principles in his role as speaker.
Response to Lok Sabha Delimitation Bill
Khader was responding to queries about the united opposition's defeat of a constitutional amendment bill aimed at increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha. He clarified that he would not comment on the matter due to his constitutional position. "I am holding a constitutional position. Even if a law is enacted, it must be constitutional. It is everyone's responsibility to implement it in a way that does not cause inconvenience to people of any region, community or religion, and to do so by gaining everyone's trust," he stated.
Regarding the delimitation issue, Khader expressed that as a common citizen, he lacks the necessary details to comment. "To comment on the delimitation, we need to know the details, including the number of seats to be increased; on what basis the number of seats will be increased; whether it is on the basis of population. How can I comment now as I have no such information with me? There is a government and an opposition at the Centre to discuss it," he explained.
Addressing Allegations Against Congress
When questioned about allegations that the Congress party was targeting Muslim functionaries, Khader declined to engage, stating that he does not comment on statements by political leaders. "Leaders of the respective political parties should respond to those allegations. Being the speaker, I do not belong to a particular political party or religion," he affirmed, reinforcing his neutral stance.
On speculation about his potential inclusion in the Congress cabinet expansion or aspirations for the Chief Minister's post, Khader responded with humility. "I have no such information. After 20 years, if the party allows me to contest elections and voters in Ullal continue to elect me, then I will think of it," he said, indicating a focus on his current responsibilities rather than political ambitions.
He further addressed claims of Congress sidelining Muslim leaders by emphasizing that politics is not his primary concern. "My responsibility is to ensure the well-being of the legislators from the ruling party and opposition," he noted, highlighting his dedication to impartial governance.
Upcoming Speakers' Meeting in Odisha
Khader announced that speakers from five states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Sikkim—will convene in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Wednesday and Thursday. This meeting, involving speakers, secretaries, and experts, will focus on strengthening the Anti-Defection Law in India. "In fact, this is the second meeting, and a report will be submitted to the Lok Sabha speaker within a year," he added, outlining the collaborative effort to enhance legislative integrity.
