Bengaluru Legislative Council Witnesses Chaotic Scenes Over Governor Controversy
The legislative council in Bengaluru descended into chaos on Friday, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staging a major protest that led to multiple adjournments of the House. The uproar centered around demands for the suspension of Congress member BK Hariprasad, a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), who was accused of insulting Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
Opposition Demands Action Against Congress Legislators
BJP members alleged that Hariprasad and his party colleague S Ravi displayed unruly behavior during Thursday's joint session of the legislature. The incident occurred when governing party legislators attempted to gherao the governor as he walked out after refusing to read a government-drafted address. This confrontation sparked heated exchanges between the two political factions.
Congress MLCs and ministers vigorously defended their colleagues, raising counter-slogans and demanding the removal of the governor for what they claimed was disrespect shown toward the national anthem. The session quickly turned into a shouting match between opposing parties.
Formal Complaints and Chairman's Ruling
Opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and floor leader NS Boseraju submitted separate requisitions to council chairman Basavaraj Horatti. Narayanaswamy specifically demanded the suspension of Hariprasad and Ravi for their conduct, while Boseraju requested a debate on the alleged disrespect to the national anthem by the governor.
Chairman Horatti made a significant ruling by rejecting Boseraju's requisition, stating there was no provision to discuss the governor's actions in the House. However, he informed members that he had referred Narayanaswamy's complaint seeking action against Hariprasad and Ravi to the ethics code committee for further examination.
The ethics committee will now verify the claims before making a decision on potential disciplinary action against the Congress members.
Congress Challenges Chairman's Decision
Congress member Puttanna immediately objected to the chairman's ruling and requested a review of the decision. Later, the Congress party submitted a fresh requisition condemning the chairman's actions, escalating the political confrontation.
In response to these developments, Chairman Horatti informed the House, "I will examine the pros and cons of it and reserve my decision," before adjourning proceedings for the day.
Earlier Confrontations and Accusations
Earlier in the session, Narayanaswamy had termed Hariprasad's conduct "unacceptable," while Hariprasad countered by alleging that the governor had insulted the national anthem. As soon as the session began, the chairman allowed Narayanaswamy to speak on his submitted letter, but Hariprasad raised a point of order that further complicated proceedings.
Opposition members objected to Hariprasad being allowed to raise a point of order, questioning the procedural validity and insisting that the opposition leader should be given priority to speak first. The chairman suggested hearing the point of order first before allowing Narayanaswamy to speak, which triggered protests from BJP members.
Sloganeering and Accusations Escalate Tensions
BJP members began chanting slogans against Congress, labeling them "rowdy legislators" and "hooligans." Congress MLCs responded with counter-slogans, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the legislative chamber.
BJP and JD(S) members argued that the chairman was an eyewitness to Thursday's incident and demanded immediate suspension of members who "behaved like goondas" by attempting to attack the governor. The chairman rejected these claims, maintaining that proper procedures would be followed through the ethics committee.
With no resolution in sight and tensions running high, the House was eventually adjourned until Monday, leaving the contentious issues unresolved and setting the stage for further political confrontation in Bengaluru's legislative proceedings.
