Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the joint session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (File)
Bangalore:
After Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the joint session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly today, the Congress criticized the move as a breach of protocol. The opposition Congress said that only the President or the Governor should address the joint session, and boycotted Mai Birla’s speech.
“Karnataka government is setting a bad example by calling the Speaker of the Assembly. Vidhana Soudha cannot be used for political angle. The party has decided to boycott. It is unfair. In the history of Karnataka, except for anyone. The President or the Governor can come and address. We condemn it,” Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai rejected the Congress stand. Bommai said, “The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has addressed several assemblies, including those in Congress-ruled states. Congress never believed in democracy.”
Former BJP Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was given the Best MLA Award for the last one year by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. He was introduced by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Today was the last day of the 10-day assembly session. Congress leaders attended the morning session. They rode on horse carriages to protest the high fuel prices.
Former chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah tweeted indicating that the party would continue with the street protests against the BJP. “Our party had decided not to enter the Assembly well to protest during this session. Our intention was to devote full time to discuss issues related to the common man. Unfortunately, BJP no discussion. They just want to pass the bill. Which suits their communal agenda. They are undemocraticly silencing the voice of the opposition. We will take to the streets to expose them.”
.