Proposed online passes to visit Vidhana Soudha, says Khader

Maqsood Maniyar | NT

Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader has proposed to the state government to make registration for passes to visit the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the seat of power, an online affair.

The Speaker revealed this in an an exclusive interview with News Trail and stressed that the legislature premises must be open to commoners while ensuring that security needs are also met.

Khader clarified that the Speaker can only propose a measure, adding that it was upto the state government to implement the same.

He made the revelation in the backdrop of allegations that 'Pakistan Zindabad' (Long Live Pakistan) slogans were raised by supporters of the ruling Congress at the Soudha after their candidates got elected to the Rajya Sabha on February 27.

“We have to make it simpler. We have told them to make it online. We told the government that the poorest of the poor people should come. Opportunity should be given to them. They shouldn’t come near the gate and wait for a long time,” Khader said, adding that he had conveyed this proposal to the police department as well.

However, the Speaker acknowledged that currently, people were visiting the Soudha without proper passes and sometimes even using the names of elected representatives to gain access to the legislature.

“Vidhana Soudha should be open to all. Due to one incident, we can’t detain and disturb all people. There should be a system where there should be data about everyone who comes and goes,” Khader said, adding that the same should be monitored by police officers concerned.

“Dog squads should also be pressed into service so that there is adequate security. Preventing poor people and common people from entering Vidhana Soudha doesn’t stop others,” he added.

Oppn Budget walk-out not good: Speaker

Khader also wasn’t pleased with lawmakers of the principal Opposition BJP staging a walkout during the presentation of the State Budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on February 16.

The saffron party legislators had taken offence to the CM’s attacks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government in his speech.

“I think the Opposition leaders walking out before the Budget speech has ended, is not a good signal,” the Speaker said, adding that they should have participated in the discussion since it was in the interest of the people.

Khader also said that he viewed favourably the proposal to set up a separate ministry for Non Resident Indians (NRIs), which was made by JD(S) MLC BM Farooque.