BJP, JD(S) stall House proceedings for second day demanding Nagendra’s resignation

The BJP and JD(S) parties have caused interruptions in the Karnataka legislature's proceedings for two days straight, demanding the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra. Allegations of his involvement in a multi-crore rupee embezzlement case at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC) are the root of their discontent.

Wearing black shawls, opposition members chanted slogans in the Assembly, while BJP and JD(S) members took to the council floor for a sit-in. Following a motion brought forth by JD(S) leader HD Revanna regarding the ongoing drought, an adjournment motion morphed into a brief discussion under the Assembly Speaker GS Patil's guidance, sparking protests from the BJP.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka cited rulebooks, asserting that an adjournment motion could only evolve into a debate after initial submissions. The Assembly was briefly postponed before being officially adjourned for the day after opposition members declined to cease their protest. In the Council, Chairman Saleem Ahmed persistently urged BJP and JD(S) members to permit regular proceedings, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Despite his efforts, the election of the deputy speaker and deputy chairperson proceeded smoothly, with the opposition ensuring unanimous polls. Mankal S Vaidya, a former minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet, was elected deputy speaker, representing the Bhatkal constituency in Uttara Kannada district. The opposition's decision to elect Vaidya over other candidates was driven by political considerations.

Congress leader AS Ponnanna was chosen as the deputy chairperson, with SS Mallikarjuna of Davanagere North replacing him in the cabinet. Notably, Umashree, a celebrated Kannada film actor, was appointed to the Legislative Council in 2023 and previously served as a minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet in 2013. In her inaugural address, Umashree expressed her motivations for entering politics and social service, aiming to connect with people, alleviate personal pain, and fully engage in public life.