18 BJP MLAs suspended from Karnataka Assembly for six months

Assembly Speaker UT Khader has suspended 18 BJP MLAs from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for six months following disruptions over the "honeytrap" controversy. The Speaker issued the order today, directing their immediate removal from the House. Following the suspension announcement, he adjourned the session for ten minutes.

Also Read: Karnataka honey-trap case: BJP MLA Muniratna points fingers at Dy CM DK Shivakumar

The controversy began after BJP legislators insisted on discussing an alleged honeytrap case. Since yesterday, opposition leaders have been demanding a debate on the matter, leading to heated arguments and disruptions. Tensions escalated as BJP MLAs stormed the well of the House, shouted slogans, and tore papers before throwing them at the Speaker. In response to this disorderly conduct, Speaker Khader suspended 18 legislators, citing a violation of Assembly decorum.

The suspended MLAs include senior leaders like Aswath Narayana, Channabasappa, Sharan Salagar, Harish B.P, Muniratna, Dheeraj Muniraj, Vishwanath, CK Ramamurthy, Dodna Gowda Patil, Bharat Shetty, Chandru Lamani, and Yashpal Suvarna, among others.

This suspension marks a significant political development, further intensifying the ongoing conflict between the ruling party and the opposition. The BJP has condemned the decision, calling it an attack on democratic debate, while the ruling party maintains that disciplinary action was necessary to uphold the dignity of the Assembly.

With key opposition members barred for six months, the political dynamics in Karnataka are expected to shift in the coming days.