K’taka Speaker accepts MLA Umesh Jadhav’s resignation

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Monday accepted the resignation of rebel Congress legislator Umesh Jadhav, clearing the decks for him to contest as the BJP’s candidate against the grand old party’s veteran Mallikarjun Kharge from Gulbarga.

Jadhav, who was elected on the Congress’ symbol from the Chincholi assembly constituency, resigned on March 4. Later, he was formally inducted into the BJP and was announced as the saffron party’s Gulbarga candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Even before Jadhav resigned, the Congress had moved a petition seeking his disqualification under the anti-defection law on grounds that he had indulged in ‘anti-party’ activity.

“Because Jadhav’s resignation is as per the format prescribed of Rule 202 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Karnataka Legislative Assembly and because he subsequently submitted his explanation in a certified manner, I am convinced that his decision to resign was voluntary and not under the influence of any lure,” Kumar stated in his order.

Kumar also explained in his order the chronology of events, including how some citizen organisations from Chincholi urged him not to accept Jadhav’s resignation.

“Judgments of our justice system and justice itself, on many occasions, do not go together. Those holding Constitutional positions have the power to only pass orders and not establish justice. Decisions always depend on evidence. It is very difficult for morality and moral grounds to get legal protection,” Kumar stated.