Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader.
Credit: DH Photo
Mangaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader has said that anyone making allegations of corruption or irregularities against him or his office can visit him in his office in Bengaluru and submit their queries in writing.
Reacting to the charges levelled by former Assembly Speaker and MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and Mangalore City North MLA Dr Y Bharath Shetty, Khader told reporters at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday that those having doubts can meet him in his office on Thursday.
“Anyone with questions can come to my office and give their complaints in writing. I am ready for any discussion. The Speaker’s post is a constitutional position, and I cannot keep responding to allegations from anywhere in the state. If they submit their queries in writing, I will clarify,” he said.
Khader said he had taken note of the allegations. “There is no cure for jealousy. Development works will continue. As I hold a responsible position, I will do everything to uphold the dignity of the Speaker’s post and the Legislative Assembly,” he added.
Responding to Dr Shetty’s allegation that the lounge in Vidhana Soudha had been converted into a massage parlour, Khader said, “It is my duty to ensure that MLAs get all the facilities they need. I will continue to provide facilities that are good for them even in the days to come.”
“If they find pleasure in making allegations against me, I am fine with that. Allegations are not new to me. I have been facing them since I became an MLA. By overcoming such allegations, I have reached this position. I am confident that the voters in my constituency know me well,” he said.
On the issue of a possible cabinet reshuffle and rumours of him being assigned a new responsibility, the Speaker said no such proposal had come to his notice.