'I'm the real leader of opposition, allot me seat next to Deputy Speaker': Yatnal in Assembly
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been expelled from the BJP, on Tuesday claimed in the Karnataka legislative Assembly that he was the "real leader of opposition", and requested the Speaker to allot him a seat next to the Deputy Speaker.
Yatnal said this as he was making a request to the Chair, to make an arrangement for him and two other MLAs -- who are now un-attached members after being expelled from the BJP -- to be seated on the front row, considering their seniority.
Yatnal, S T Somashekar and A Shivaram Hebbar were shifted to back benches, after they were expelled from the BJP earlier this year.
"Senior legislators have been insulted by making them sit on the back benches. It was done in the previous session too. We request you, we have been elected five to six times, arrangements should be made to make us sit in the front row," Yatnal said.
Appealing to the Speaker to reconsider their seating arrangements, he urged that by tomorrow a positive decision should be taken in this regard.
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Intervening Speaker U T Khader told Yatnal that there were no seniors or juniors in politics. "One who is in power is senior and the one without power is a junior."
Seats are not allotted based on seniority, he said, those who have a majority will get treasury benches in the House, and those with lesser numbers in strength will get opposition benches.
Pointing out that Yatnal was given front seating while in BJP, the Speaker asked, what can be done if he is out of the party. "If you (Yatnal) are part of the ruling party or the opposition party, you will get the front seat on the respective sides," he said.
Responding to this Yatnal claimed that he was the "real opposition leader" in the Assembly, even as Leader of Opposition R Ashoka was present in the House.
"I'm not a person who indulges in any adjustment. I have not indulged in any understanding with anyone. I have not been to the CM's office, have not made any requests to any ministers. So I'm the real leader of opposition and you may allot me a seat next to the Deputy Speaker (which is the seat alloted for the leader of opposition in the Assembly)," he added.
Yatnal, both while in BJP and after being expelled from the party, have been accusing the saffron party leadership in the state of indulging in "adjustment politics" with the ruling Congress leaders.
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Siddaramaiah unveils world's second largest khadi national flag at Belagavi
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday unveiled the world's second-largest khadi national flag at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here, stating that the Indian tricolour is not merely a khadi cloth but a symbol of the nation's pride and self-respect.
The state government said this was the "second largest" khadi national flag. The largest such tricolour was reportedly displayed in Leh in 2021.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the flag here, Siddaramaiah recalled that the tricolour was adopted during the freedom movement.
"It is not just khadi fabric, but a symbol of India's pride and dignity. The flag contains three colours and the Ashoka Chakra. The saffron, white and green colours convey messages of national pride, economy, sacrifice and peace, while inspiring patriotism among Indians," Siddaramaiah said.
He added that white represents peace and truth, green symbolises prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra signifies the country's continuous economic progress and equal opportunities for all.
"We must respect the national flag and view it with pride. Everyone should nurture patriotism," he said.
He congratulated Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader and the family members of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna of Kamalapur in Kalaburagi district, who donated the flag.
On this occasion, the chief minister said it was important to remember those who fought and sacrificed for the nation.
"Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom struggle was waged. Gandhi had presided over the Congress session in Belagavi. As it completes 100 years, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed next to the Suvarna Soudha," he noted.
He said humans must love one another and not hate, adding that only then can an equitable society be built; otherwise, building a secular nation becomes difficult.
"We must all be patriots. India is home to many castes and religions, and it is essential that we all uphold secularism," he said.
Noting that it has been over 75 years since Independence, the chief minister stressed the need to introspect on how far the country has achieved fraternity, patriotism and a humane society.
"Without these values, it is impossible to live as human beings. This mindset must grow among students and youth," he said, adding that his government is ensuring that the Preamble of the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar is read in schools and colleges.
