In a significant development concerning inter-state sensitivities, Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was in response to a breach of privilege complaint filed by Maharashtra MP Dhairyasheel Mane against the Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi district.
MP Kadadi's Defence of District Administration
During the meeting, Kadadi presented a detailed case to the Speaker, asserting that the district administration had not violated any parliamentary privilege. He strongly urged that no special punitive action be initiated against the officer. In his submission, Kadadi emphasized the delicate social fabric of the border district.
He highlighted that Belagavi, which shares its borders with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, has a long-standing tradition of linguistic harmony, with communities speaking different languages coexisting peacefully. However, he pointed out a recurring pattern of tension during specific events.
The Context: Black Day Protests and Law & Order
Kadadi explained that during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1 and the subsequent winter session of the state legislature held in Belagavi in December, certain organisations observe a 'Black Day' and stage protests against the Karnataka government. The situation is often amplified when leaders from neighbouring states participate in these events, sometimes making provocative statements that escalate into potential law and order problems.
Under such volatile circumstances, Kadadi argued, the primary duty of the district administration is to maintain public peace and safeguard the interests of all linguistic communities. He maintained that the Deputy Commissioner's decision to restrict MP Dhairyasheel Mane from entering Belagavi to join a Black Day protest was a lawful and preventive measure. This step, according to Kadadi, was taken purely to preserve law and order and did not constitute a violation of any individual's rights.
Speaker's Assurance and the Way Forward
Consequently, Kadadi told Speaker Om Birla that the demand for action against the Deputy Commissioner on grounds of a breach of privilege was unreasonable and illogical. He presented the factual and constitutional background, stating that the prohibitory order was well within the legal framework.
In his response, Speaker Om Birla provided a crucial assurance. He acknowledged that while MP Mane had lodged a formal complaint, no unilateral decision would be taken on the matter. Birla confirmed that the issue would be examined in detail through the proper parliamentary channels. He also sought to reassure the people of Karnataka, stating that there was no immediate cause for concern regarding the proceedings.
This high-level intervention underscores the ongoing sensitivities in the Belagavi region, often a focal point of linguistic and political discourse between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
