Bengaluru: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly descended into chaos on Friday, March 21, after Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) MLAs staged a dramatic protest against the passage of the 4% Muslim Quota Bill. Opposition members climbed onto the podium and threw papers at Speaker UT Khader, forcing marshals to step in and remove them from the House, PTI reported.
The bill, which grants a 4% reservation to Muslims in public contracts, was passed despite the uproar, according to a report by News18. The BJP strongly opposed the move, calling it “unconstitutional” and vowing to challenge it legally. Led by Opposition Leader R Ashoka, BJP legislators shouted slogans against the government, accusing it of appeasement.
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Earlier, BJP MLAs staged a protest from the well of the House, demanding a judicial probe into an alleged honey trap attempt on a minister, even as the CM delivered his response to the budget discussion.
BJP MLA Bharath Shetty criticised the government, stating, "Instead of addressing the honey trap scam, the CM prioritised passing the 4% Muslim quota bill, which is why we protested. It was government MLAs who tore papers and threw books at us; we did not harm anyone."
The chaos erupted while Siddaramaiah was addressing the House and continued despite his reassurances. Defending his government, he stated there was no attempt to shield anyone. "It is the government's responsibility to protect anyone in the case. According to the law, the guilty should be punished... There is no question of protecting anyone in the case," he said, as per a report by ANI.
A day earlier, Home Minister G Parameshwara had announced a high-level inquiry into an alleged honey trap attempt involving MLC Rajendra Rajanna, son of KN Rajanna.
About Karnataka Honey Trap Scandal
Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna claimed on Thursday, March 20 that at least 48 politicians, including state and national leaders from various parties, had fallen victim to a honey trap scheme. His statement came after BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that an attempt was made to trap Rajanna himself.
Rajanna urged Home Minister G Parameshwara to initiate an investigation into the matter. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka termed it the "biggest conspiracy against legislators", warning that it was a deliberate attempt to target elected representatives with a hidden agenda.
