BELAGAVI: Chaos erupted in the Karnataka legislative assembly on Thursday after Congress legislators accused Union home minister Amit Shah of making controversial remarks about B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
The ruckus began during a discussion on maternal deaths in Ballari and other parts of the state when opposition leader R Ashoka was addressing the House. Congress MLA H C Balakrishna interrupted Ashoka, expressing his intention to move a resolution regarding the alleged comments attributed to Shah.
This led to a dramatic escalation, with several Congress MLAs standing up, holding photographs of Ambedkar, and raising slogans against the BJP. The legislators demanded an explanation and urged the govt to condemn the alleged remarks.
Speaker U T Khader tried to restore order, repeatedly urging members to let the proceedings continue, but his efforts were in vain. BJP legislators countered the Congress’s allegations, accusing the opposition of trying to derail the discussion on maternal health.
Amid the uproar, Congress MLAs argued that Shah’s remarks were an insult to Ambedkar’s legacy and called for the assembly to take a united stand against such statements. The BJP dismissed the claims, stating there was no evidence of Shah making any such comments.
As tempers flared, the session was adjourned temporarily to allow the members to cool down. Speaking to the media later, Congress leaders reiterated their demand for a resolution condemning Shah’s alleged remarks, while BJP leaders accused the opposition of politicising unrelated issues.
The session is expected to end today, with the Speaker hoping for a calmer atmosphere to discuss legislative business in the second half after lunch.
