Karnataka Lawmakers Unite Against Maharashtra MP's Complaint, Back Belagavi DC

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A rare show of unity among Karnataka's lawmakers has emerged in support of Belagavi district administration, following a complaint filed by a Maharashtra MP. Dhairyasheel Mane, a Lok Sabha member from Hatkanangale constituency, accused the district administration of violating parliamentary privilege by restricting his movement during a sensitive event on November 1. State minister Satish Jarkiholi confirmed that all 28 MPs from Karnataka have agreed to jointly write to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, urging him not to admit the complaint. They argue that the restriction on Mane was imposed to maintain law and order and public peace. Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar also supported the district administration, stating that the action taken was based on the situation on the ground and did not constitute a breach of privilege. He added that the MPs would meet the speaker under the leadership of Union minister Pralhad Joshi to present the facts. The complaint, filed by Mane, alleged that the district administration violated his constitutional right to travel freely across the country. However, legal experts have weighed in, largely supporting the administration's stand. Senior Supreme Court advocate Mohan Katarki said the Deputy Commissioner acted strictly within the framework of law, with no exemptions for Members of Parliament or other constitutional functionaries. Given these legal parameters, observers believe the privilege motion is unlikely to be admitted by the Speaker. The rare consensus among Karnataka MPs has further strengthened the case of the district administration, presenting the issue as one of public order rather than political targeting. In the past, the observance of Black Day has been a flashpoint in the border district, where competing claims over language and identity have periodically led to tensions. Kannada groups have rejected Mane's allegations, arguing that the restriction was imposed not because of his status but because of the purpose of his visit. The pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshna Vedike has also backed the district administration's decision, describing it as a preventive action. The issue is now likely to be taken up by the Speaker, who will have to decide whether to admit the complaint or not.