Congress continues protest in Karnataka Assembly, Speaker objects to slogans against RSS

Congress continued its protest in Karnataka Assembly against Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa's remark on the national flag.

Protests by the Congress, who are demanding the sacking of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa and that he be booked for sedition over a statement on the national flag, continued to rock the Assembly proceedings in Karnataka for the fourth consecutive day on Monday.

The Assembly also saw passage of four bills amidst the din, and Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri took strong exception to Congress members "unnecessarily" bringing in RSS' name during their protest in the well of the House.

The 'day-and-night' protests by the legislators whereby they spend the night inside the Assembly began on Thursday demanding Eshwarappa's dismissal.

Recently, Eshwarappa had claimed 'Bhagwa dhwaj' (saffron flag) may become the national flag some time in the future and the same may be hoisted on the Red Fort then.

He, however, had said the tricolour is the national flag now, and it should be respected by everyone.

As the House met for the day, Congress members trooped into the well of the House and started shouting slogans demanding action against Eshwarappa.

Slogans like - "Down, down BJP", "Suspend Eshwarappa", "Eshwarappa desha drohi (traitor)", "Down Down desha drohi BJP government", "Speaker give justice", "This government is RSS' puppet", "We want constitution, not Manuvada" - among others marred the proceedings.