Karnataka by-election: Will respect people’s mandate, says Ramesh Kumar

Former Speaker Ramesh Kumar on Karnataka Bypolls said he didn’t disqualify the MLAs for personal reasons and he doesn’t know how to lure voters with money  

Kolar: Congress leader and then Speaker in coalition government Ramesh Kumar reacting to the significant leads of the disqualified MLAs in the Karnataka bypoll results, said he never disqualified the rebel MLAs for his personal gains. Looks like the Karnataka bypoll results have embarrassed Ramesh Kumar to an extent.  

“Hebbar might think it was unconstitutional to disqualify the rebel MLAs but I never disqualified them for personal reasons. I respect the mandate that the people have given in the Karnataka bypolls,” said Ramesh Kumar.

Speaking to media and reacting to Shivram Hebbar’s statements, Ramesh said, “Congress will accept the defeat courageously and take it in the right stride.”

BJP candidate Shivram Hebbar had said it was unconstitutional of Ramesh Kumar to disqualify rebel MLAs when they tendered their resignations.

He also lashed out at those who lured voters with money. He said. “I don’t know how to appease voters with money. Though I’m disappointed with the bypoll results, I accept it.”

The bypolls were necessitated after the resignation and absence of 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs, which led to toppling of HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government and paved the way for the BJP to come to power.

17 legislators were subsequently disqualified by the then Speaker Ramesh Kumar. However, the Supreme Court that heard MLAs' petition challenging the disqualification allowed them to contest the by-elections.

Karnataka bypoll results going in favour of the disqualified MLAs have caused a huge embarrassment to then Speaker Ramesh Kumar.

BJP so far has a lead in 12 out of the 15 seats and only official confirmation is awaited. While Congress is leading in 2 seats and JD(S) is leading in 1 seat.