I am a Speaker for all, respect is accorded to the constitutional position: U T Khader

I am a Speaker for all, respect is accorded to the constitutional position: U T Khader

mangaloretoday.com

Mangaluru, Nov 18, 2023: "I represent all as the Speaker. This message should be viewed without considering political, caste, or religious affiliations; it is a constitutional role. Rather than directing respect towards me, it should be directed to the position of Speaker," stated U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

 

This response was prompted by a recent statement from Housing and Minorities Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan during election campaigning in Telangana. Khan claimed that leaders of the saffron party bowed down before a Muslim Speaker in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, thanks to the opportunity provided by the Congress.

Khader emphasized the importance of upholding the honor of the Speaker’s chair and refrained from reacting directly to Khan’s statement. He clarified that his appointment as Speaker was based on merit, not caste, and pledged to fulfill his responsibilities with respect for all, transcending political party boundaries.

In the midst of this, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel called for Zameer Ahmed Khan’s resignation due to his controversial statement about the Speaker’s post. Addressing the media in Mangaluru, Kateel asserted, "Zameer Khan has shown disrespect to the Speaker’s post, which transcends caste or religion. His statement reflects his mentality, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should request Zameer Ahmed Khan’s resignation."