BJP, Opposition MLAs exchange blows in Karnataka Assembly - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Karnataka State Assembly on Wednesday witnessed chaos with both opposition and treasury benches exchanging blows. The Assembly was scheduled to take up the issue of the Speaker's election but the opposition demanded an adjournment of proceedings in the wake of Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan's death. As senior member Yogish Bhatt sat in the Speaker's chair and took up the election issue, the opposition parties protested. State Law Minister, Suresh Kumar clarified to the opposition members that "As per Rule 7, the election of the Speaker can be held." But, opposition Congress and JD (S) members suddenly rushed towards the Speaker's chair and threw microphones. Some members threw files, bell and papers at Bhatt, which forced him to call in the marshals for protection. The treasury bench members rushed towards the opposition benches and both exchanged blows. Amidst all this confusion, Bhatt declared Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member KG Bopiah as the Speaker. Opposition members staged a protest in the Well of the House over Bhatt's decision. Bopiah later adjourned the House sine die.