BJP MLAs urge Speaker to withdraw their suspension from Karnataka Assembly

Speaker U T Khader's decision to suspend the 18 BJP MLAs from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for six months, they said Wednesday, was a "violation of rules" and "not in accordance with law." They requested Khader to change his mind and lift the suspension.

Pointing out that MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly had also been suspended in a similar manner—a decision that the Supreme Court had declared "irrational and illogical"—the MLAs stated that rather than going to court, they would ask the Speaker to use his authority to reexamine and lift the suspension.

18 BJP MLAs were suspended for six months on March 21 for "indiscipline" and "disrespecting" the Speaker, a measure that has never been done before. When they refused to leave, marshals forcibly removed them from the House. "Suspending MLAs for six months is not in accordance with the law, as Rule 348 does not permit it," he told reporters, accompanied by other MLAs.