Opposition BJP today criticised the government for tabling the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage (Amendment) Bill, 2015 in the assembly by violating the sanctity of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) Meeting.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra tabled Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2015; following which the House continued with the motion of thanks to Governor for his address.
As soon as JD(S) MLA finished his speech, Deputy Leader of Opposition R Ashoka raised the issue and said "in the BAC meeting government had said that three bills will be introduced during the session, but now they have brought this BWSSB bill without even informing us as per rules.
"What is the urgency in bring this bill?" he questioned.
The bill considers necessary to amend the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964, to provide for appointment of the Chairman and the Managing Director and powers and functions thereof for better functioning of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board as provided in the Karnataka Urban Water supply and Sewerage Board.
Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar said "introduction of this bill is not even mentioned in today's agenda, this has been brought to favour whom?"
He said "What is use of BAC meetings and do those meetings have any sanctitity?"
Jayachandra who was present at the House said these issues can be discussed when the bill is brought for the consideration of the House.
He also said "it is duty of the government to introduce bills as per requirements of the governance and Assembly sessions are for this...."
Objecting to Jayachandra's statement BJP leader Suresh Kumar said "BAC has its sanctity and by saying this you are showing no respect to it, if at all government felt it was important to introduce this bill you should have informed us three or four day earlier. I don't understand what the urgency is."
Shettar also suggested that the bill be taken during the next session, to which Jayachandra maintained that it the issues raised by the opposition can be discussed when the bill is bought for the consideration of House and the the assembly should be allowed to continue with its business for now.
The House later continued with its business as Deputy Speaker Shivashankar Reddy requested opposition to allow continue the motion of thanks to Governor's address as tomorrow is the last day of the session.
