Bengaluru, March 21 -- The suspension of 18 BJP MLAs from the Karnataka Assembly for six months has triggered sharp reactions, with Speaker UT Khader defending his decision and Congress leaders calling it necessary to maintain order, while the opposition termed it a "shameful day for democracy."
The Speaker on Friday asserted that his decision was in accordance with the Constitution and dismissed the opposition's allegations.
"I have upheld the Constitution. The people of Karnataka and India are aware of what transpired. My duty is to safeguard the dignity of the constitutional chair, and I have done so," Khader told reporters.
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar condemned the BJP, accusing its MLAs of "h...