Govt asked to probe alleged ill-treatment of Bantwala BJP MLA at govt function

Belagavi: Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar Wednesday directed the government to look into the alleged ill-treatment meted out to an MLA at a government function recently.

He said respect and prestige of the House was of utmost importance, and MLAs were its integral part. Kumar warned against a repeat of such incidents in future.

The speaker made these remarks in the State Assembly as Bantwal BJP MLA Rajesh Naik narrated an incident where he was allegedly ill-treated during the inauguration of the ‘Indira Canteen’ (subsidised canteens run by the government) in his constituency, over which he had presided.

He alleged that slogans were raised against him by a group of people and he was manhandled in the presence of district in-charge minister. Later when he complained to the police, his case was not taken up, Naik said.

Taking strong exception to this, the speaker said “I may take it up as a privilege (issue) next time. Don’t give that opportunity…elected representatives should be given respect.” 

He also directed deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, who also holds the Home Portfolio, to look into the matter and get the case investigated.

“Once elected an MLA, he or she is part of this House, ask your officials to do their duty, instead of showing their loyalty to those who got them transferred or posted,” he told the Home Minister.

District in-charge Minister U T Khader, who was present at the inauguration, expressed regret over the alleged ill-treatment to the MLA.

BJP MLAs took strong exception and raised their voice when he said it was not as grave to file a police complaint. They said many BJP MLAs have experienced similar ill-treatment in their respective constituencies and alleged that government events these days looked like Congress programmes.

They also accused police of siding with those who create such disturbances. There was a moment of chaos in the House as BJP and Congress MLAs indulged in a heated exchange, resulting in the speaker threatening to walk out.

Intervening, Leader of Opposition B S Yeddyurappa seeking protection from the Chair asked the Home Minister to take the issue seriously and investigate the case. Home Minister Parameshwara said he would look into the matter and issue directions to the police.

“It is the duty of the police to work in accordance with the law and protecting it,” Parameshwara said.

Subsequently, Naik informed the House that he just got information that a case was registered about the incident.