Be it Telangana’s legislative meeting or Karnataka’s, the presence of Muslims as Speakers has ignited a fierce debate.
With preparations underway to elect the brand new Speaker for Telangana’s third legislative meeting on December 14, Speakers of each state assemblies discover themselves embroiled in controversies surrounding their faith.
In Karnataka, UT Khader, a five-time MLA from Mangaluru’s coastal area, made historical past because the state’s first Muslim Speaker. However, protests erupted because the opposition BJP and JD(S) staged a day-long agitation, demanding the suspension of Congress minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. The Opposition additionally claimed that Khader has been behaving like a ‘dictator’ and a ‘Congress Speaker’.
Across the border in Telangana, newly elected BJP MLAs refused to take part in the oath-taking ceremony, opposing the appointment of Akbaruddin Owaisi of the AIMIM because the pro-tem Speaker. Goshamahal’s BJP MLA Raja Singh refused to take the oath in entrance of Owaisi, insisting he would achieve this solely when the Speaker is elected to the House.
This is the second time (2018 and 2023) that Singh has taken this stand. “I will take the oath only after a full-term Speaker is appointed,” he declared in a video explaining his absence in the state meeting.
Following protocol, the senior-most member of the state meeting assumes the function of the pro-tem Speaker. Congress’ Uttam Reddy argued that technically, he ought to have been in the place. However, since he took an oath as a minister, the process mandated the legislature secretariat to nominate the subsequent senior-most, which was Akbaruddin Owaisi.
On Thursday, the election for the Telangana meeting speaker will happen. Reportedly, the Congress has finalised the title of Vikarabad MLA Gaddam Prasad Kumar, a Dalit chief who beforehand served as a minister in the Congress authorities in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
If the meeting secretariat receives only one nomination, Owaisi will announce Prasad’s unanimous election. However, if a number of nominations are submitted, an election will probably be carried out through poll. Kumar’s election is anticipated to proceed easily, given {that a} majority of the MLAs are from the ruling Congress.
The Speaker controversy continues to rock the Karnataka meeting in Belgavi because the mixed opposition — BJP and JD(S) — staged a dharna, demanding the resignation of Zameer Khan. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok accused Khan of bringing shame to the Speaker’s chair and trying to create communal prejudice.
Khan, the minister for housing, waqf, and minority affairs, claimed throughout an election marketing campaign in Telangana that the Congress has at all times been supportive of the minority class and appointed Karnataka’s first Muslim speaker (Khader). He added, “Today the best-of-the-best BJP leaders stand before Khader, saying ‘Sahab Namaskar’. Who made him? It’s Congress.” The remark quickly sparked a furore.
Reacting to the assertion, Ashok mentioned: “Are we (BJP MLAs) ghulams (slaves)? To say salaam the way he (Khan) has said?” He added that the Speaker ought to have acted instantly towards Khan and suspended him.
Khader, on his half, emphasised the constitutionally vital nature of his submit, transcending politics and faith. He careworn that every one elected members ought to respect the submit. “I am not selected for the post on the basis of caste or religion. I have been appointed on eligibility and on the trust that I work as per the Constitution. I give respect and, in turn, get respect. I am working as the Speaker, representing all members. The Speaker’s post should not be seen through the lens of caste or religion.”
In reply to Khan’s remarks, senior BJP chief CT Ravi acknowledged that when BJP leaders present respect, it’s directed in direction of the constitutional place, “not the Mullah of Jamia Masjid”. He emphasised that the Speaker’s function is distinct from that of a ‘Maulwi’ in a mosque, and in contrast to addressing a Maulwi with phrases like ‘Ji’ or ‘Huzoor,’ BJP MLAs don’t use such titles when addressing the Speaker.
