Opposition BJP members objects to minister HK Patil speaking in North Karnataka debate

Belagavi: Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil on Friday withdrew from speaking during the discussion on the problems in North Karnataka (NK) in the Legislative Assembly after the Opposition BJP members objected to a minister speaking in such debates.

When Patil was about to speak during the ongoing discussion, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka explained that there has been no precedent of a minister speaking.

“We won’t oppose it. H K Patil is a gentleman. But you (Speaker) give a ruling after seeing the book and let it continue,” Ashoka said.

Patil responded by saying there is no rule preventing a minister from speaking and referred to instances where ministers in the previous BJP government had spoken during debates about electoral reforms and other issues. 

The BJP MLAs, however, insisted that participating in general debates was different from a minister speaking in a debate where the government is mandated to respond. 

After this, Patil withdrew from speaking.