Elected representatives should behave responsibly: U T Khader

Mangaluru: Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader said elected representatives, including MLAs, should conduct themselves responsibly in public.

He was speaking to reporters here. The Speaker said, “What happened in Ballari is not right. Clashes carried out in a cinematic style, and hate politics, should not happen in society. Because of such behaviour, all politicians are viewed in a bad light. Inside and outside the Assembly, MLAs should speak in a dignified manner rather than engaging in issuing threats against each other. What message are they giving to society?”

Referring to Ballari Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy, Khader said he would speak to those involved.

Responding to a query on the Kogilu demolition, Khader said the state government would look into the matter and that, as Speaker, he could not comment further.

When asked about cockfighting incidents triggering controversy in the district, Khader said, “The organisers claim that no betting was involved, stating it was part of a ritual and tradition, while the police maintain that betting and gambling were involved in cockfighting. We will discuss the issue with the Law Minister and the officials concerned. There is a need for suitable rules or legislation by the government.”

On the BJP opposing the Hate Speech Bill passed in the Legislative Assembly and Council, Khader said, “The Bill aims to curb and prevent the dissemination, publication, or promotion of hate speech and related crimes that cause disharmony and hatred in society. It is not targeted at anyone.”