Karnataka Assembly Speaker Invites Opposition To Well Amid Protest Row

Karnataka Assembly saw a fresh protest row.

Speaker GS Patil addressed opposition protests.

BJP and JDS questioned the Speaker.

The ongoing political confrontation in the Karnataka Assembly intensified after Speaker GS Patil told protesting opposition legislators that they could enter the well of the House if they wanted to stage their demonstration there.

The BJP and JDS have been protesting since Monday, demanding the removal of Minister B Nagendra over allegations linked to the Valmiki Corporation case. However, opposition members have so far chosen to remain near their designated seats instead of moving into the well.

The issue came to the forefront during heated exchanges between the treasury benches and the opposition. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka told the Speaker that the opposition respected his position and would listen to him, but would not accept directions from the ruling Congress.

Responding to the situation, Speaker GS Patil said he had initially allowed the opposition some flexibility during the first few days of the session. However, he made it clear that members could not continue standing at their allotted places and shouting slogans as a form of protest.

Patil then asked the opposition members to enter the well if they wanted to continue their demonstration. His remarks immediately triggered criticism from BJP legislators.

BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar questioned the Speaker’s approach and said it was unusual for a Speaker to invite opposition members into the well to protest. The comment added another layer to the confrontation inside the House.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge defended the Speaker and questioned the opposition’s decision to protest from their designated seats. He argued that members should follow the rules governing demonstrations inside the Assembly.

The opposition pushed back by referring to recent protests in Parliament, with BJP members including CN Ashwath Narayan arguing that opposition leaders there had also demonstrated from their allotted places. They questioned why a different standard should apply in the Karnataka Assembly.

Sources indicate that the opposition has deliberately avoided entering the well during the current protest. The strategy appears aimed at keeping the demonstration visible while reducing the possibility of disciplinary action or suspension for disorderly conduct.

The dispute has added another political flashpoint to the Assembly session, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.