The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Opposition comes in for severe criticism

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 03, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Opposition comes in for severe criticism

Special Correspondent

Avoid politicking in legislature, says Kumaraswamy

BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday hit out at the Congress for what he termed its "adamant stand" against the motion of thanks to the Governor for his second address to the joint session on the legislature on February 24.

Speaking to presspersons in his chambers after the Assembly was adjourned for lunch, he said the Congress members' attitude shows that their party is "anti-development." The Congress stalled the proceedings of the House for three days over the issue. "The Congress members are frustrated and it shows that they cannot attend the House without being in power," he said.

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said that leaders should not indulge in politicking in the legislature as the session is meant to discuss matters related to overall development of the State.

There are plenty of political issues that can be raised outside the House, he said.

The Opposition exerted pressure on the Speaker to reconsider his ruling on the matter, which is not a good sign. The people will give their verdict on these issues in the days to come, he said.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh, speaking to presspersons, termed the Speaker's ruling "unconstitutional, illegal and irresponsible." It was a "black day" in the history of the State legislature, he said.

`Wait and see'

Asked whether the Congress is considering moving a motion of no confidence against the Speaker, Mr. Dharam Singh said "wait and see."

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