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Karnataka Assembly proceedings disrupted

Special Correspondent

Opposition stages dharna against ruling on Governor's address

BANGALORE: The unrelenting stance of the Opposition in protest against the Karnataka Assembly Speaker, Krishna's ruling upholding the validity of the Governor's second address to the joint session of the legislature, resulted in the Legislative being adjourned without transacting any business on Tuesday.

Soon after the House assembled, Congress members and others led by Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh, M. Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader R.V. Deshpande trooped into the well of the House and staged a dharna against the approval given by the Speaker to what they termed an unconstitutional address delivered by the Governor. The Congress members maintained that the address delivered by the Governor on January 19 when Mr. Dharam Singh was the Chief Minister is still valid and not "infructuous" as ruled by the Speaker.

The Speaker said the Congress members could not dictate what he should do. He is bound by the rules and procedures of the House. The Speaker maintained that his decision is final and the Opposition should cooperate with him to enable the smooth conduct of proceedings.

Several rounds of discussions were held in the chambers of the Speaker, in vain.

As soon as the House assembled in the morning, Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh appealed to the Speaker to review his ruling on the Governor's address. "You are angry with us and you declared the Governor's second address valid without consulting us," he said.

The Speaker on Monday ruled that the Governor's first address to the joint session on January 19 was not valid, while upholding the validity of the February 24 address.

When the Congress members stepped up their offensive against the Government, the Speaker said the Congress is a national party. It had ruled the State for several decades. "The disorderly behaviour of the Congress members does not redound to the standing of the party or the House. You go back to your seats and speak," Mr. Krishna said.

The Opposition raised slogans and chanted "shame, shame" amid counter-slogans by members of the ruling parties. Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa intervened and said the Congress members were showing utmost disrespect to the Governor and the Speaker.

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