BJP Leaders condemn MLA Bharat Shetty’s suspension

Mangaluru

BJP leaders have strongly criticized the six-month suspension of MLA Dr. Bharat Shetty by Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader. They have demanded the immediate revocation of the order, warning of protests across the constituency if it is not withdrawn.

Speaking at a press conference, BJP Mangaluru North Mandal President Rajesh Kottari stated, "Dr. Bharat Shetty, elected for a second term, has secured over ₹2,200 crores for development works. Every MLA has the right to protest in the Assembly, and the Speaker must respect that. This suspension is politically motivated and an insult to the people of the state." He further pointed out that U.T. Khader himself had faced suspension twice in the past and should remember that.

Tilakaraj Krishnapur, vice-president of BJP’s Dakshina Kannada district unit, accused the Speaker of reducing opposition strength in the Assembly. "Typically, MLAs are suspended only for the session. This extended suspension appears to be a deliberate attempt, in coordination with the government, to weaken the opposition," he said.

He also claimed that during past protests against former Legislative Council Chairperson Dharmagouda, such harsh actions were not taken, suggesting bias in Khader’s decision.

Other BJP leaders, including North Mandal General Secretary Sandeep Pachhanadi, Youth Morcha District General Secretary Bharat Raj Krishnapur, and party members Pooja Pai, Ranadeep Kanchan, and Ashith Nonda, were also present at the press conference.