Bengaluru Legislative Council Descends into Unprecedented Chaos Over Bribery Allegations
The Karnataka Legislative Council in Bengaluru witnessed a day of complete pandemonium on Wednesday, with proceedings repeatedly adjourned due to a bitter face-off between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP and JD(S) alliance. The legislative body descended into utter chaos, marked by dramatic protests, torn rule books, and heated exchanges that paralyzed parliamentary business.
Stormy Start: Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation
The trouble erupted early in the morning when BJP and JD(S) members stormed the well of the House, vociferously demanding the immediate resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur. The opposition's protest centered on an alleged bribery case involving the minister, creating an immediate flashpoint. Congress members countered aggressively, arguing that the opposition had deliberately prevented Minister Timmapur from clarifying the allegations during Tuesday's proceedings.
The shouting match escalated rapidly, forcing the chair to intervene repeatedly in a bid to restore some semblance of order. However, the disruptions resurfaced with renewed intensity when the House took up the vote of thanks to the governor's speech. A contentious dispute arose over whether the speech was being treated as a resolution of gratitude or condemnation, leading to two formal adjournments as tempers flared.
Failed Truce and Dramatic Escalation
In an attempt to break the deadlock, Chairman Basavaraj Horatti convened a meeting with members from both sides in his chamber. Despite this effort at reconciliation, when the House reconvened, opposition members returned to the well and resumed their loud sloganeering. Leader of the House NS Boseraju stated that there was a consensus on adopting the resolution of gratitude, but opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy vehemently disagreed.
Narayanaswamy demanded that the word ‘condemnation' be expunged from the official records and insisted that Boseraju express regret for the proceedings. The situation took a dramatic turn after the lunch break when Narayanaswamy, in a highly symbolic act of protest, ripped up the legislative rule book and flung the scraps into the air.
Rule Book Torn Amid Accusations of Dysfunction
Accusing the council of failing to function according to its own established rules, Narayanaswamy questioned the relevance of the rule book amidst the ongoing disorderly proceedings. This provocative act triggered sharp reactions from Congress members, who accused him of disrespecting the chair and demanded both an apology and his immediate expulsion from the House.
Chairman Horatti intervened sternly, describing the rule book as "the constitution of the House" and expressing deep regret over the incident. He urged Narayanaswamy to apologize and allow the House to function smoothly. However, Narayanaswamy remained defiant, insisting that his protest was aimed at the disorderly proceedings and was "not at the chair personally."
Constitutional Provisions Cited, Stand-off Intensifies
The stand-off intensified further when Congress member BK Hariprasad read out constitutional provisions and criticized the governor's actions, drawing fresh and vigorous protests from the opposition benches. With disruptions continuing unabated and no resolution in sight, Chairman Horatti took a decisive step by ordering that the contentious word ‘condemnation' be removed from the official records.
While the opposition welcomed this move, they continued to insist on a formal apology from the Leader of the House, NS Boseraju. This unwavering demand left the proceedings completely stalled, with no legislative business possible. Faced with continuous chaos and no path forward, the Chairman eventually adjourned the House for the day, with proceedings scheduled to resume on Thursday.
The day's events highlight the deep political fractures and procedural breakdown in the Karnataka Legislative Council, casting a shadow over its ability to conduct orderly governance and legislative scrutiny in Bengaluru.
