Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri admonished Congress MLAs for shouting anti-RSS slogans in the House, contending that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was a nationalist group “involved in organizing Hindu society to make country strong”. The Opposition party is incidentally demanding the dismissal of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa and insists that he be booked for sedition over a statement on the national flag.
“…should join hands with RSS in its efforts. You’re shouting anti-RSS slogans in Assembly that has no relevance to your political discourse. Won’t allow using Assembly to shout such slogans,” the Speaker rebuked.
According to reports, slogans such as “Down, down BJP”, “Suspend Eshwarappa”, “Eshwarappa desha drohi (traitor)”, “Down Down desha drohi BJP government”, “Speaker give justice”, “This government is RSS’ puppet”, “We want constitution, not Manuvada” had echoed through the Assembly amid the proceedings.
The Congress legislators have undertaken ‘day-and-night’ protests, spending nights inside the Assembly since Thursday. Despite the ruckus, the Assembly passed four bills without any discussions on Monday. The Speaker had also asked Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah to participate in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, and urged Congress leaders to take their seats. With the Opposition members clamouring for “justice”, his remarks had gone undeeded.
“Difference of opinion is common in a democracy, but we are duty-bound to conduct the proceedings of this House. If the government has not agreed to your demands, protest outside and cooperate to run the House. We have to discuss developmental issues, issues of the people here,” he was quoted as saying.
