R. Ashok alleges disrespect to Governor during joint session; seeks action after video review
Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Friday accused the state government of showing disrespect to the Governor during his address to the joint session of the Legislature and demanded action against those responsible after reviewing video footage of the incident.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Ashoka questioned claims that BJP members had torn the clothes of Legislative Council member B.K. Hariprasad during the commotion. “If Hariprasad’s kurta was torn, who did it? Those who blocked the Governor and clashed with marshals were Congress members. Yet, the blame is being put on the BJP,” he said, urging the authorities to verify the footage and take action against the guilty.
Ashoka also rejected allegations from the ruling party that the Governor had disrespected the national anthem. He argued that it was the government’s responsibility to arrange the anthem, not the Governor’s. “The Governor concluded his speech and left after saying ‘Jai Hind’. He was made to leave alone, without anyone accompanying him. Portraying this as him ‘running away’ is unfair,” he said, referring to comments attributed to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil.
The opposition leader maintained that while governments may come and go, legislative traditions and rules must be upheld. He demanded that action be taken against ruling party members for the alleged disrespect shown to the Governor, similar to past instances where BJP legislators were suspended.
Joining the debate, BJP leader Dr C.N. Ashwath Narayan said the Speaker must protect the dignity of the House. Citing Assembly rules, he said those who disrupted the Governor’s address should face action in the next session, and called for a resolution condemning the incident along with an apology to the Governor.
Responding from the treasury benches, ruling party member K.M. Shivalingegowda said the government had welcomed the Governor with due respect but objected to what he termed disrespect to the national anthem while the Governor was leaving. He downplayed the obstruction, saying it did not amount to a serious offence.
Speaker U. T. Khader later said written complaints had been received from both sides the ruling party alleging disrespect to the national anthem, and the opposition alleging disrespect to the Governor. He said the matter would be examined and a ruling would be given, adding that the House should focus on discussion rather than personal hostility.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
