Karnataka: JD(S) MLA, Speaker in war of words during Assembly debate on Public Gathering Bill

Vartha Bharati | 21-08-2025 | 16:30:00 IST

Bengaluru: Heated exchanges broke out in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday after JD(S) legislator from Gurmatkal, Sharanagouda Kandakur, clashed with Speaker U.T. Khader while speaking on the bill related to public gatherings.

The confrontation began when Khader directed Kandakur to restrict his speech to the provisions of the bill and to avoid straying into unrelated issues. Irked by the instruction, the MLA remarked that he would rather withdraw his request to speak than be curtailed.

Khader reiterated that members should confine their arguments to the subject at hand so that other legislators also get their turn. “Please speak if you wish to share your opinion on the bill; if not, you may walk out,” the Speaker told Kandakur firmly, pointing out that four more bills were pending for discussion.

Feeling targeted, Kandakur alleged that the Speaker had been regularly denying him opportunities to participate in debates. He said, “I am not here to discuss marital relationships, yet you don’t let me speak.”

Though visibly upset, Khader allowed the MLA to present his arguments, following which Kandakur briefly put forth his views on the bill.

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