Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar denied entry into swearing-in ceremony

Team Udayavani, Jun 7, 2018, 12:22 PM IST

Bengaluru: In a bitter episode which occurred at the swearing-in function of new ministers, security staff blocked entry of Assembly Speaker, K R Ramesh Kumar, into Raj Bhavan. 

In dissent thereof, the Speaker has shot a letter to state chief secretary, K Ratna Prabha. 

“In response to your invitation, I had arrived at Raj Bhavan to attend the swearing-in ceremony. I waited for thirty minutes in front of the venue before returning helplessly. I do not know who is responsible for this situation. You might be aware that in addition to the chief minister and chairperson of the ceremony, assembly speaker’s is a constitutional position. The government system owes responsibility to make arrangements for receiving the chairperson of the function and assembly speaker in a way that they are treated with due respect. Arrogance and lack of knowledge of the government officials and haughtiness prevalent within the Raj Bhavan are responsible for these things. Which were the vehicles that had filled the space within and out of the Raj Bhavan? I am curious to know who gave permission to them, and which positions they enjoy in public life. I end my letter by registering my protest against this inexcusable violation,” he expressed in his letter. 

A few reports said that the Speaker reached the venue late as he was stuck in traffic. In any case, the authorities still neglected to make arrangements to take him to the place where the swearing-in was held. 

Later the Speaker said that chief secretary and Bengaluru police official called him to apologize. “Subsequently the issue is closed now,” he said.