Media Release
Udupi, Dec 16: Udupi Congress leader Prasadraj Kanchan has strongly condemned the allegations made by BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna against Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker U T Khader during the Belagavi winter session, stating that such remarks undermine the dignity of the House and the Constitution.
Addressing the issue, Kanchan said that instead of focusing on Udupi’s development, Suvarna was deliberately creating controversy over a trivial matter, exposing his political frustration. He asserted that maintaining discipline and decorum in the assembly is the speaker’s responsibility and that directing members to come to the point is part of parliamentary procedure, not an insult to any tradition.
Kanchan accused Suvarna of indulging in politics in the name of religion by misrepresenting the Speaker’s remarks and attempting to provoke communal sentiments. He clarified that Harikatha is a sacred and respected art form, and alleged that the MLA was using religion and tradition to conceal his failure to effectively raise public issues.
Defending Speaker U T Khader, Kanchan described him as one of the most impartial and efficient Speakers in Karnataka’s history, noting that he has consistently given adequate opportunities to opposition members. He said that making casual remarks against the Speaker amounts to disrespecting the Speaker’s chair.
The Congress leader further criticised Suvarna for focusing on publicity-oriented protests, including black-flag demonstrations and media statements, instead of addressing pressing issues such as fishermen’s problems and basic infrastructure needs in Udupi district.
Calling for political maturity, Kanchan said that the people of Udupi had elected Suvarna to represent their concerns in the Assembly and not to indulge in theatrics before television cameras. He added that had the MLA presented issues properly, there would have been no need for the Speaker to intervene.
Concluding, Kanchan stated that the BJP leadership should advise Yashpal Suvarna on parliamentary conduct. He reaffirmed that the Congress party stands firmly with speaker U T Khader and will not tolerate attempts to compromise the dignity of the Assembly for political publicity.