The political turmoil in Karnataka was raised in the Lok Sabha on Friday with Congress members repeatedly raising slogans against the BJP for “conspiring” to bring down the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government in the State.
Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wanted to raise objection regarding the Karnataka Governor issuing directions to the Speaker, and alleged that the BJP was conspiring to bring down governments in States where Opposition parties were in power.
Speaker Om Birla allowed Mr. Chowdhury to raise the issue in the House, but made it clear he could not speak about any Assembly or the person who was sitting in a Constitutional post.
“Sir, suppose the President of India issues a directive to you and tells you ‘this won’t happen or this will happen’, you will not like it as you have autonomy. Similarly, every Assembly and its Speaker has its own autonomy,” Mr. Chowdhury said.
He said what was happening in Karnataka was a “threat to the independence of legislature and democracy is being killed in the State”.
As soon as the Lower House began proceedings, Congress members wanted to talk about the situation in Karnataka, but the Speaker did not entertain the request. This prompted Congress and DMK MPs to troop to the Well of the House.
Over 30 members from the Congress, DMK and a few other parties were in the Well for over 15 minutes with some members displaying placards, saying “Save democracy”.
Opposition MPs, many first-timers among them, were heard shouting “We want justice” slogans.
