Cong MLA seeks to move adjournment motion, colleagues protest

In an unusual move, a ruling Congress member in the Assembly today sought to move an adjournment motion, amidst opposition from his own party members. As A S Patil Nadahalli tried to press for an adjournment motion on the alleged failure in implementation of the Nanjudappa committee report and Article 371 (J) of the Constitution on development of North Karnataka, Congress members objected to it.

“How can a ruling party member try to move an adjournment motion, this is not the practice,” senior Congress mem- ber Ramesh Kumar said. Congress chief whip Ashok Pattan asked the chair not to give Nadahalli an opportunity for adjournment motion; “He has no backing of the party.” Reacting to this, Nadahalli said “it may be your opinion; I’m seeking it as a member of the House.”

J T Patil, also from the party, objecting to Nadahalli’s move said, “he lied to me and took my signature, I was not aware he would press for adjournment. Please don’t allow him.” Responding to Patil’s claim, Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa said “it is your mistake, you have to seek apology.” BJP Leader Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri questioned Ramesh Kumar and other Congress MLA’s, stating there was no mention in the rule book that a ruling party member cannot press for adjournment motion.

Kumar hit back saying it was a practice. Nadahalli, who represents Devarahipparagi constituency in north Karnataka, has been suspended from Congress Legislature Party for supporting division of the state. Earlier, as the House met for the day, Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar pressed for an adjournment motion seeking discussion on failure in the implementation of article 371 (J) of the Constitution that gave special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

Speaker Thimmappa said the discussion on implementation of Nanjundappa Committee on regional imbalance is scheduled for July 9 and July 10.

As Nadahalli again tried to seek the Speaker’s attention to his adjournment notice, Thimmappa said, “Your issue is similar to the one for which Shettar has given notice. We will decide about discussion on it in Business Advisory Committee meeting soon.”