Wed Apr 02 08:17:26 UTC 2025: ## BJP Condemns Suspension of 18 MLAs in Karnataka, Demands Speaker’s Apology

**Bengaluru, April 2, 2025** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka launched a strong attack against the Assembly Speaker, U. T. Khader, following the six-month suspension of 18 of its MLAs. The party termed the suspension as unconstitutional and a violation of a 2022 Supreme Court ruling regarding the suspension of MLAs in Maharashtra.

In a memorandum submitted to the Speaker, signed by Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, BJP State President B. Y. Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the BJP argued that the suspension exceeded the permissible duration and was intended to suppress opposition voices. They cited the Supreme Court’s precedent, which stated that suspensions should be limited to restoring order in the House.

The BJP staged a protest outside the Vidhana Soudha before submitting the memorandum, demanding a public apology from the Speaker. They accused him of misusing his position and acting as a puppet for the ruling Congress government. Mr. Vijayendra further alleged that the Speaker’s decision was motivated by courage, a reference to a newspaper interview given by the Speaker.

The memorandum also called for a CBI investigation into allegations of a honey-trapping operation targeting politicians, made by Minister K. N. Rajanna. The BJP contends that the Speaker’s actions were a blatant disregard for constitutional principles and his oath of office.

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