Pandemonium reigns over remarks against Ganapathi's wife

BENGALURU: A united opposition raised an uproar in the legislative assembly on Monday demanding withdrawal of home minister G Parameshwara's statement of a marital discord being the reason for DSP MK Ganapathi's suicide.

Making a statement in the house even before speaker KB Koliwad allowed it to debate on the issue, Parameshwara, quoting the police officer's family members, said he had been "tormented" by his wife. Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said the statement is nothing but outraging the modesty of a woman.

He said the home minister had "levelled unfair allegations against a couple married for 21 years. Even if it's true, the government should not make such comments when a woman is grieving over the loss of her spouse". He asked, "How can one make such an allegation against a woman even before the probe is over?''

BJP members frequently trooped into the well of the house. The opposition also pleaded for the removal of the controversial remarks but the ruling party remained adamant.

Quoting reports of doctors and Ganapathi's superiors, former home minister and BJP member R Ashoka said Ganapathi was mentally fit. He said action should be initiated against his brother, DSP MK Thammaiah, for dubbing him mentally ill. "How did the government allow a mentally unstable person to function in uniform with a pistol in his hand?" he asked, adding, "How did the government promote a mentally ill person three months ago?"

The house was adjourned three times in the post-lunch session because of the pandemonium. The BJP has decided to continue with its demand seeking withdrawal of Parameshwara's statement or at least his remarks before chief minister Siddaramaiah gives a detailed reply in the house on Tuesday.