Fri Mar 21 17:03:13 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Legislative Council Plunged into Chaos Amidst Budget Session

**Bengaluru, March 21, 2025** – The Karnataka Legislative Council descended into chaos on Friday, the final day of its three-week budget session. Frequent disruptions and adjournments marred the proceedings, as ruling and opposition members clashed over a honey-trapping incident and an offensive remark made by a Congress MLA.

The day saw the passage of the budget and several bills amidst the uproar. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was forced to curtail his budget reply speech due to protests from BJP and JD(S) members. The opposition members, demanding answers regarding the honey-trapping allegations against Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna and protesting the 4% Muslim quota in public works, disrupted proceedings, even displaying CDs and posters demanding a CBI or judicial inquiry. While CM Siddaramaiah promised a high-level inquiry, the opposition remained unsatisfied.

Earlier, a contentious remark by Congress MLA Puttanna against the Leader of the Opposition, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, sparked a heated exchange. Despite the Chairman expunging the remark, the opposition demanded Puttanna’s expulsion, leading to further disruptions. Only after a conditional apology, contingent on review of video footage, did the opposition relent.

Further adding to the chaos, a statement by Congress MLA Sudham Das regarding Dalit support for the BJP ignited another lengthy verbal confrontation, necessitating a brief adjournment. The budget session concluded amidst significant disruptions and unresolved tensions between the ruling and opposition parties.

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