Impasse over BJP MLAs’ suspension hits work of legislative panels

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 2, 2025: The ongoing standoff between the Opposition BJP and Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader over suspension of MLAs, is beginning to disrupt the functioning of key legislative committees.

The BJP has boycotted all committee meetings following the Speaker’s decision to suspend several of its MLAs for six months. The suspension came after the BJP legislators protested in the Assembly over the government’s reservation policies. Terming the action “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional,” the BJP alleges that the Speaker acted in a partisan manner.

Legislative committees play a crucial role in scrutinising government spending, reviewing policy implementation, and questioning officials. Their work ensures detailed examination of matters that cannot be fully addressed on the Assembly floor. With the BJP—state’s main opposition—absent, concerns are mounting over the quality of scrutiny and the committees’ ability to deliver non-partisan recommendations.

A senior Congress leader, said on condition of anonymity, admitted that committees rely on opposition participation for balanced discussions. “The absence of BJP members has led to a noticeable drop in in-depth deliberations over the past month,” the leader said.

Former minister and Public Accounts Committee member C T Ravi echoed similar concerns. “The strength of these committees lies in detailed discussions and debates. Opposition members play a vital role by bringing alternative viewpoints and holding the government accountable,” he said.

A senior official from the Legislature Secretariat warned that the boycott could deepen political divides and weaken consensus-building. “These committees also serve to develop collegial ties across party lines. Their reports often influence key policy decisions,” the officer noted.

Former Law minister and BJP leader S Suresh Kumar said the party has appealed to Speaker to reconsider the suspension. “This is one of the harshest punishments. We’ve urged the Speaker to allow the MLAs to at least attend committee meetings to end the impasse,” Kumar said. He also stressed the importance of public participation in committees, noting that some hold hearings to incorporate expert and citizen feedback.

With legislative committees acting as the bridge between the legislature and the public, several MLAs said on the condition of anonymity that their effective functioning is vital for a healthy democracy. The current impasse threatens to weaken this crucial mechanism, reducing transparency and oversight at a time when robust scrutiny is most needed.