The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Monday, March 18, as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans echoed through the House following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s critical remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
During the discussion following the Governor’s address, CM Siddaramaiah alleged that the RSS “created criminals.”
“Crime should not happen, but it is the RSS and Bajrang Dal that commit many crimes,” he said. His statement immediately triggered outrage among BJP legislators, who accused the Congress of being “traitors to the country” and “agents of the SDPI.”
While Siddaramaiah largely stood alone in his remarks, he found support from IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who reminded the House that the RSS had once been banned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka called for the remarks to be expunged, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and others as well had roots in the RSS. Other BJP MLAs also asserted their affiliation with the RSS.
As tensions escalated, BJP members began chanting slogans such as ‘Congress traitors,’ ‘RSS zindabad,’ ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ and ‘Pakistan agent.’ The disruption forced a temporary suspension of the House proceedings.
The chaos resumed when a Congress MLA displayed the national flag, leading to further protests from BJP members. Meanwhile, a BJP legislator was caught filming the proceedings, which is against Assembly rules.
Initially, Acting Speaker KM Shivalinge Gowda justified that Siddaramaiah’s remarks were not unparliamentary as a result they could not be removed from the records. However, Speaker UT Khader later held meetings with the legislators and an agreement was reached to expunge both the CM’s remarks and the Opposition's statements.