Chaos in Karnataka Assembly after Shivalinge Gowda remarks
Chaos in Karnataka Assembly after Shivalinge Gowda remarks
Disruption erupts in Karnataka Assembly as Gowda clashed with BJP members over unparliamentary remarks; Speaker expunges words while lawmakers stage a dharna demanding Thimmapur's resignation.
The Karnataka Assembly descended into chaos on Wednesday as allegations of unparliamentary language between BJP members and Congress MP K.M. Shivalinge Gowda spilled into the well of the House. Gowda said he was provoked because BJP members allegedly called him a thief, although such words do not appear in the official records. With tempers running high, the overnight dharna demanding the resignation of Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur continued as the Speaker U.T. Khader tried to broker peace between the warring sides. The House had to be adjourned for a few minutes as members cooled down and the process of restoration resumed. Though the Speaker urged both sides to express regret, neither side complied, and the disruption persisted.
Opposition leaders criticized the breach of decorum. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok called it a bad precedent for the Assembly, arguing that such episodes undermine legislative work. BJP member V. Sunil Kumar countered Gowda's allegations by citing past cases of unparliamentary language allegedly used by Gowda and insisting that the remarks be expunged from records. The exchange underscored the broader tension between the ruling coalition and the opposition over governance and accountability, especially around accountability for the minister’s position. The session adjournment signaled a rare moment of procedural tension, with lawmakers walking out as the standoff showed no immediate path to resolution. Citizens watching the scene were left waiting for a return to orderly debate on pressing issues facing the state.
