Shekar rubs Speaker the wrong way

Independent MLA and former minister Goolihatti Shekar was, on Friday, forced to withdraw from the day’s proceedings of Legislative Assembly for his derogatory remark against Speaker K G Bopaiah.

Shekar, who along with four other Independent legislators has been protesting against the Speaker following the Supreme Court’s caustic observations against him over the disqualification of Independent MLAs in the House by wearing a black band, addressed Bopaiah in an offensive manner.

The ruling party members cried foul and demanded that the Speaker take stringent action against Shekar. Law Minister S Suresh Kumar urged Bopaiah to name the member so that he is suspended from the House.

The Speaker, however, ordered withdrawal of the member from the day’s proceedings as per Section 347 of Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The Marshal and watch and ward personnel forced Shekar out of the House. The Speaker also ordered to expunge all that Shekar had spoken in the House. None of Opposition party members, however, came forward to defend Shekar.

Later speaking to the media, Shekar said he only wanted a clarification from the Speaker if he could be addressed as “tainted Speaker” in the wake of the SC observation. “The SC has passed strictures against him and hence, I sought to clarify as to how I should address him. I have not done any mistake and I did not intend to insult him,” he stated.

The former minister alleged that he was insulted in the House because he was a Dalit.

He also said that when he approached the Speaker on Thursday to submit a notice seeking permission to raise an issue during the Zero Hour, the Speaker had warned him of dire consequences if he continues to protest against him.