The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BJP stalls Assembly proceedings over Minister's remarks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 07, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BJP stalls Assembly proceedings over Minister's remarks

Special Correspondent

In thelegislature Dharam Singh urged to drop Revanna or Shivaram from Cabinet

BANGALORE: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalled the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday seeking the resignation of one of two the Cabinet ministers, H.D. Revanna and B. Shivaram, over the latter's allegations of irregularities and corruption in the Public Works and Energy departments.

Addressing presspersons in Hassan on Tuesday, Mr. Shivaram blamed Mr. Revanna for the alleged corruption and delay in clearing bills of contactors who have taken up works under the Public Works Department in Hassan.

When the House reassembled at 1.40 p.m. after two hours of adjournment in the morning, the BJP members continued their dharna seeking an explanation from the Government on the issue. The Leader of the Opposition, B.S. Yediyurappa, referred to a television report that showed Mr. Shivaram speaking about irregularities and corruption in the PWD and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) which are under Mr. Revanna.

The BJP members demanded that the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, drop one of the Ministers. They also wanted the Chief Minister to make public the letter by Mr. Shivaram complaining against Mr. Revanna.

At this juncture, Mr. Shivaram, who is the Minister for Information and Publicity, arrived in the House to make a statement on the issue. He categorically said that he has not levelled any allegation against Mr. Revanna.

He said some newspapers have published false reports on the issue. "Since the State has a coalition Government, I am discharging my duties within its limitations," he added.

He said several farmers and contractors submitted memoranda to him during his visit to Arasikere and complained about the delay in releasing funds by the PWD officials for works executed. They complained that funds have been released to some contractors in violation of guidelines issued by the Finance Department. He told the officials that the matter with regard to the violation of guidelines will be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister.

Except directing the officials to discharge their duties according to rules, he has not made any statement against Mr. Revanna, Mr. Shivaram said. "I will apologise if the reports had hurt the Public Works Minister or any other member," Mr. Shivaram said. Soon after Mr. Shivaram's statement, the Speaker adjourned the House.

When the House met again the BJP members continued their dharna and did not allow the Speaker to take up Question Hour. The Speaker, Krishna, wanted the House proceedings to go by rules and Question Hour taken up first. But the Opposition did not relent on its demand.

The Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, H.K. Patil, appealed to the BJP members to withdraw their dharna and allow the House to function. As the Opposition members did not oblige, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.

Earlier in the morning, pandemonium prevailed in the House with the Opposition baying for the blood of Mr. Shivaram or Mr. Revanna.

The House was adjourned for nearly two hours. When the session commenced, Mr. Yediyurappa referred to a newspaper report wherein Mr. Shivaram is said to have pointed to irregularities and corruption in the PWD and KPTCL holding Mr. Revanna responsible for the same.

The Chief Minister, who arrived late, categorically said none will resign, but he would have a talk with Mr. Shivaram and Mr. Revanna.

At this point, Mr. Shivaram arrived and expressed his intent to make a statement on the points raised by the Opposition. Subsequently, the Opposition members returned to their seats only for a brief while. They were back in the well when the Speaker said there are norms to be followed and that Question Hour will be taken up first. Not giving up their demand, the Opposition members continued their dharna and the Speaker adjourned the House.

Later, the Speaker said members of the House are free to send him a notice for viewing the recording of Mr. Shivaram's press conference in Hassan on Tuesday, which was aired by a Kannada television channel.

He has called a meeting between representatives of the Government and Opposition leaders at his chamber here on Thursday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka