BJP Demands Names After Shivakumar Says ‘Dozen MLAs’ Have Two Marriages

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s remark that a dozen MLAs have two marriages has triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders demanding that he disclose the names of the legislators he referred to.

Shivakumar made the statement while responding to a debate on the drought situation in Karnataka in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. He was speaking about the growing pressure on Bengaluru due to rapid urbanisation and the city’s expanding population.

“Kempegowda built Bengaluru. Kengal Hanumanthaiah built Vidhana Soudha. S M Krishna made Bengaluru an international city. Whoever comes to the city doesn’t leave,” Shivakumar said.

He then said that even legislators who come to Bengaluru from other parts of the state do not return to their native places. “Those who come to the city have two marriages. There are a dozen like that. I can give you the list,” he said.

Shivakumar said he could identify legislators from districts including Dharwad and Dakshina Kannada, but chose not to name them. He also cited lawyers who move to Bengaluru and do not return to their places of origin as an example of the factors contributing to the city’s population growth.

According to Shivakumar, Karnataka’s urban population has increased from 33 per cent to 47 per cent, reflecting the scale of urbanisation. His comments on legislators having two marriages, however, became the focus of political debate.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka termed the remark unnecessary and asked Shivakumar to reveal the names of the MLAs. Ashoka clarified that he understood the statement to refer to legislators who had come to Bengaluru from other parts of Karnataka.

Senior BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar also criticised the comment, saying that even if it was made in a lighter vein, such remarks from the Assembly floor did not enhance its dignity.

Kumar said the statement had created “unhealthy curiosity” and urged Shivakumar to clarify the identities of those he had referred to, warning that otherwise all legislators could face public suspicion or ridicule.