MLAs, MPs should strive to become role models in society, says Govind Karjol

Senior BJP leader Govind Karjol emphasizes the importance of MLAs and MPs being role models in society.

MLAs and MPs should strive to become role models in the society, said senior BJP leader and Chitradurga MP Govind Karjol here on Saturday.

His response came at a press confernce while answering a question on Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna’s shocking allegation in the Legislative Assembly that vested interests had honey-trapped 48 people, including legislators, central leaders, and judges.

Quoting a ‘Sarvajna’ vachana, Mr. Karjol said those in public service are expected to keep to a clean image. “I will not say much. But elected representatives should be role models of citizens. People are wise to understand what I am saying,” said Mr. Karjol, who was in the Karnataka Legislature for over two decades, before getting elected to the Lok Sabha.

Expressing his dismay over Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader suspending 18 BJP MLAs for six months for their unruly conduct on Friday, Mr. Karjol said period of suspension was in excess to the alleged misconduct.

“I am not supporting the alleged unruly conduct of the suspended MLAs. But for such a conduct the Speaker could have suspended for two or three days or for the period of the ongoing session. When we (BJP) were ruling, we did not take such a drastic action against unruly behaviour of Siddaramaiah and other Congress legislators,” he said. Speaker Mr. Khader has stifled the voice of BJP legislators, who were pointing out at mistakes of the ruling party, he said.

Criticising the Congress government’s decision to give 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in public works, Mr. Karjol said the government should stop this caste based reservation policy. The government should adopt policies that fosters empowerment of the needy and not encourage actions that divide society on communal lines.

In the last two years, Mr. Siddaramaiah has failed to invest in development of the State. He has also miserably failed in governing the State in the right way. While continuing with the five guarantee schemes, the government has increased price of essential commodities. Dalits have been cheated as the money meant for their welfare has been diverted since 2023 for implementation of five guarantees, Mr. Karjol alleged.