Oppn walk out, dharna in assembly over Panchayatraj bill

Karnataka Assembly today passed Panchayat Raj amendment bill amid opposition JD-S walkout and BJP dharna.
Both the parties demanded deletion of a "draconian" clause that provides for disqualification of elected representatives for failure to convene GP and ward sabha meeting.
The Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill 2013 seeks to give power to the Regional Commissioner to disqualify elected representatives of Gram Panchayats for failing to convene GP and ward sabha meetings.
"We cannot accept the inclusion of disqualification clause at any cost and hence we stage a walkout," Opposition Leader H D Kumarasway (JDS) said.
Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar (BJP) also pressed for withdrawal of disqualification clause and staged a dharna along with his party members in the well of the House.

Earlier, the Opposition members urged Rural Development and Panchayatraj Minister H K Patil to make Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) responsible to convene the GP and ward sabha meetings failing which the official sould be disqualified instead of removing an elected representative.

Taking cognisance of the Opposition demand, Speaker Kagodu Thimappa adjourned the session for ten minutes after Patil assured the members to consider their demand.
After the House resumed, Patil sought passing of the bill saying that "strict action" would be taken against PDO for failing to convene GP and ward sabha meetings along with GP Presidents, Vice Presidents and members.

Shettar protested saying that the minister should withdraw the disqualification clause. "The government should disqualify the PDO, not an elected member. It is politically motivated move," he alleged.
"I do not know why the minister is trying to pass the bill in a hurry. The move is politically motivated and undemocratic. The government should not go ahead and pass the "dangerous" bill which will damage the edifice of democracy," Shettar said.
Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa suggested that the matter to be refered to the Joint Select Committee for detailed discussion. Kumaraswamy also suggested that it be referred to the Joint Select Committee.

The House, whose session began on June 29 was later adjourned sine die.