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Karnataka Speaker UT Khader defended his move by saying recliners are “not a luxury” but a “necessity” as MLAs worked “long hours”, claiming that the BJP also demanded them
A total of 15 recliners, including 2 massage chairs, were brought to the Karnataka assembly lounge for the MLAs. (Image: ANI/video grab)
Karnataka Speaker UT Khader has sparked fresh debate and criticism over his plan to introduce reclining chairs, including massagers, and smart locks worth Rs 3 crore at the state assembly to enhance the comfort and security of MLAs.
According to a video posted by news agency ANI, 15 recliners, including two massage chairs, were brought to the state assembly lounge for the MLAs.
Khader defended the move by saying recliners are “not a luxury” but a “necessity”, claiming that the BJP also demanded them. “It is my responsibility as the Speaker to provide facilities to the MLAs. Recliner chair is not a luxury, it is a necessity. People should understand that not all MLAs are young and not all are healthy. Those who criticise should not look at MLAs or MPs as enemies, they should treat them like their family members… This was the demand from them (BJP) too…”
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker, UT Khader says, “It is my responsibility as the Speaker to provide facilities to the MLAs. Recliner chair is not a luxury, it is a necessity. People should understand that not all MLAs are young and not all are healthy.… https://t.co/vHg7spVNbk pic.twitter.com/rscZXtNLCY— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
India Today reported that Khader’s office has also proposed to spend Rs 3 crore to install smart locks for all rooms belonging to the MLAs inside the Legislators’ House. But, the speaker said this is merely a proposal and further discussion with other legislators on the issue is pending.
Dismissing the criticism against the move to provide luxury items such as massagers and reclining chairs for MLAs, Khader argued that they work long hours and endure a lot of stress.
“We don’t buy; we only take things on rent. You can’t treat MLAs like enemies, you should treat them like friends. If your father or brother were an MLA of that age, wouldn’t you ensure they had a place to rest in the afternoon?” he asked.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: On recliners issue, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra says, “I really don’t know what made the speaker make such a decision. But as far as we MLAs are concerned, we never demanded, we never requested for such a luxurious and reclining chairs…” pic.twitter.com/K6YWtgxR3z— IANS (@ians_india) March 3, 2025
The BJP, however, opposed the move and claimed it had never made a request for such luxury items. “I really don’t know what made the speaker make such a decision. But as far as we MLAs are concerned, we never demanded, we never requested for such luxurious and reclining chairs…” said Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra.