Bangalore: The Opposition, which walked out of the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday in protest against the passage of the Karnataka Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2006 without a discussion, has decided to complain to Governor T.N. Chaturvedi on the manner in which the Speaker, Krishna, is conducting the proceedings.

Speaking to presspersons immediately after the walkout, Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president M. Mallikarjun Kharge and others questioned the propriety of allowing the passage of an important Bill on VAT without a discussion.

After meeting the Governor, all the Opposition parties will hold consultations on Monday to decide on the course of action they should take to make the Speaker see the reason for their demand.

J.C. Madhuswamy (JD-U) and G. Srirama Reddy (CPI-M) wondered whether the passage of the Bill without a discussion would lead to a legal problem if someone questions it in court. No member was given time to even read the Bill, which contains 23 items, and neither did Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa explain the reasons for changes in the VAT Act, Mr. Reddy said.

`Protect Opposition'

Mr. Singh and Mr. Kharge said the Speakershould protect the Opposition in such circumstances and when constitutional matters are involved. Instead he is flouting all norms by extending support to the Government, they charged. The Speaker, Mr. Kharge said, should take the Opposition into confidence.

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