Ivan D’Souza to file privilege motion, defamation case against Kageri and Bharath Shetty

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 31, 2025: Allegations of corruption against Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader are baseless and far from the truth, said MLC Ivan D’Souza, announcing that a privilege motion and defamation case will be filed against former Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and MLA Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty for making false accusations.

Speaking at a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club on Friday, D’Souza said that according to Assembly procedures, an internal inquiry and fact-finding process must be conducted before making any public allegations against the Speaker. “Relevant documents must be submitted to the Speaker’s office and discussed in the House before going public. By skipping all these steps, Kageri’s move is unconstitutional and shows disrespect to the Legislature and all its members,” he said.

He added that Kageri, being a former Speaker himself, should have known the proper procedure. “We knew he was ignorant, but not to this extent,” D’Souza remarked sarcastically. He challenged Kageri to explain how any corruption or legal violation took place. “All development and renovation works in the Speaker’s office were carried out after written approval and through government agencies, following legal procedures,” he clarified. “When Kageri was Speaker, similar renovation works were done in the same way. If they believe there’s corruption or nepotism, they could have raised it in the Assembly instead of making public statements.”

Responding to Dr. Bharath Shetty’s claim that ₹4.5 crore was wasted on a five-day book fair at Vidhana Soudha, D’Souza said the amount was spent systematically on infrastructure and sessions for 300 stalls. “The event was well-organized and even appreciated by opposition leaders. Other states have replicated the model. By calling it wasteful, Bharath Shetty has insulted writers and poets,” he said.

D’Souza also questioned Shetty’s criticism of spending on infrastructure for legislators. “He was present in the Assembly when these works were carried out. If he didn’t require any facilities, he could have refused them personally—but can he deny them to others?” he asked.

Congress leader Vikas Shetty and others were present at the press conference.