**Karnataka Assembly Speaker Revokes Suspension of 18 BJP MLAs**
In a significant development, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader has lifted the six-month suspension imposed on 18 BJP MLAs, more than two months after the disciplinary action was taken. The announcement was made on Sunday following discussions involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil.
Khader emphasized that the revocation of the suspension was unconditional, highlighting the camaraderie among the MLAs. “The incident occurred in a moment of passion. I had to take decisive action to uphold the dignity of the House. Now, with the belief that such behavior will not recur, I have decided to revoke the suspension,” he stated. The Speaker also noted that the suspended MLAs had expressed remorse for their actions and assured that there was no intention to show disrespect. The Assembly will formally ratify this decision in the upcoming session.
The BJP legislators were suspended on March 21 due to alleged indiscipline and disrespect towards the Speaker during a protest in the Assembly. The protest escalated when BJP MLAs surrounded the Speaker’s chair, climbed onto the podium, and threw papers, resulting in their forceful removal by marshals.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka welcomed the Speaker’s decision, expressing gratitude for the revocation and commending the patience and discipline exhibited by the MLAs during the suspension period. Among the suspended BJP MLAs are notable figures such as former Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan and BJP chief whip Doddanagouda Patil. Their suspension followed protests against a 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts and calls for a judicial inquiry into an alleged honey-trap incident involving Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna.
Earlier, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had urged the government to reconsider the suspension, and senior leaders from both state and national levels had communicated with the Speaker regarding the issue. When questioned about the potential legal implications of revoking the suspension, Khader refrained from commenting, reaffirming the Speaker’s authority in such matters.
**FAQ**
*What led to the suspension of the BJP MLAs in Karnataka?*
The BJP MLAs were suspended for alleged indiscipline and disrespect towards the Speaker during a protest in the Assembly, which involved disruptive actions such as surrounding the Speaker’s chair and throwing papers.
