Muslim quota Bill: K’taka Assembly suspends 18 BJP MLAs for creating ruckus

On Friday, 18 BJP MLAs from Karnataka were suspended from the state Assembly for six months for showing “disrespect” to the Chair. Earlier in the day, the Karnataka Assembly experienced significant protests and disturbances by BJP MLAs before the approval of a Bill that allocates 4 percent quota for Muslims in public contracts.

Assembly Speaker UT Khader instructed the marshals to forcibly remove the suspended BJP MLAs. Subsequently, the Bill was approved in the Assembly.

As reported by PTI, among the 18 BJP MLAs suspended for causing a disturbance in the Assembly are Doddanagouda Patil, Ashwath Narayan, and Munirathna. The BJP MLAs were observed charging into the well of the House, ripping copies of the Bill, and throwing them at the Speaker.

The BJP labeled the Bill as “unconstitutional” and charged the Congress government with engaging in appeasement politics. They also mentioned that the Bill would face a legal challenge. In the meantime, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the Bill reflects his administration’s dedication to inclusive development and affirmative initiatives.