NEW DELHI: A huge uproar in the Karnataka assembly led to the suspension of 18 BJP MLAs, who were demanding a judicial probe into the alleged “honey-trap” attempt involving a minister and other politicians.
The opposition BJP and JD(S) created a ruckus in the assembly on Friday, prompting speaker UT Khader to suspend them for six months for “disrespecting” the Chair.
After Khader’s order, all the suspended MLAs were forcefully carried out of the House.
Later, Karnataka minister MB Patil defended the move to suspend the MLAs, saying they did all possible violations of the assembly.
“Totally unbecoming of Members to behave like that…They did all possible violations in the Assembly…This (suspension) is 100% justified,” Patil said.
Earlier, BJP and JD(S) MLAs stormed into the well of the House, waving CDs and shouting slogans in protest, even as chief minister Siddaramaiah assured them of a high-level probe.
On Thursday, cooperation minister KN Rajanna informed the assembly that there had been attempts to honey-trap him and that at least 48 politicians across parties had fallen victim to similar schemes.
Addressing the issue, Siddaramaiah said that no one, regardless of their position, would be shielded from accountability. He assured that the government would conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action.
“Rajanna has spoken about an attempt to honey-trap him. Home Minister G Parameshwara has already responded, stating that a high-level investigation will be conducted. Let Rajanna file a complaint. All Congress, BJP, and JD(S) members will be provided protection. Those who have violated the law must be punished accordingly,” he said.
A probe would be conducted to identify those behind the honey-trap attempt, Siddaramaiah assured. “It is our responsibility to protect all citizens of the state. We will ensure a high-level investigation.”
Home minister Parameshwara reiterated that Rajanna had expressed his intent to file a complaint and had requested an investigation but had yet to formally submit it.
“I have already assured the House that I will get the matter investigated. I am committed to a high-level probe. I will discuss the nature of the investigation with the chief minister, and we will decide accordingly, considering your suggestions,” he said according to news agency PTI.
However, the opposition demanded that the government clarify the nature of the probe and insisted on an investigation led by a sitting high court judge, given the high-profile nature of the case.