Unrelenting in its insistence on sacking minister K J George and a CBI probe in connection with the alleged suicide by a DySP, the Opposition continued to disrupt proceedings of Karnataka Assembly today, even as the government categorically rejected the twin demands.
After staging an overnight dharna in the House, BJP and JDS created a ruckus, shouting anti-government slogans from the well, with five bills passed without any discussion amid the din.
Defending George, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the Opposition of playing politics over the issue to gain political mileage.
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Both BJP and JDS began a day-night protest in the House yesterday, insisting on a CBI inquiry and sacking of George, named by deceased official M K Ganapathy along with two top police officials for his extreme step.
Ganapathy (51) was found hanging from the ceiling fanin a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July 7, prior to whichhe gave an interview to a local TV channel, saying the minister and A M Prasad (IG-Intelligence) and Pranab Mohanty(IGP- Lokayukta) would be responsible "if anything happens to me."
As the House met post lunch, the opposition continued their protest against the government from the well of the Houseshouting slogans like "George go back," "George resign".
Speaker K B Koliwada then cited supplementary agendaand started to conduct the proceedings, even as Opposition BJP Leader Jagadish Shettar objected to it.
Five bills, Karnataka State Open University (Amendment) Bill; Karnataka Stamp (Fourth Amendment) Bill; Karnataka Transparency In Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill; Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewage (Amendment) Bill and Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj UniversityBill were passed.
As the bills were tabled amidst stiff opposition, Shettar called the government "insensitive" and "arrogant".
After passage of the bills, the Speaker sought the
opposition's cooperation in conducting the House proceedings and to initiate discussion on demands.
Responding, Shettar said, "If at all government has clear intention about holding a discussion, first remove George, we are ready for discussion. We cannot discuss with a government that has culprits in its cabinet."
Siddaramaih said government is ready for discussion on demands, but opposition was indulging in politics.
"Opposition only wants to do politics; they are wrong if they feel that people will appreciate them. Theyare doing politics over death.Opposition is indulging in political conspiracy. There are no clear allegations or evidence on George, so there is no reason for him to resign," he said.
The CM said a Judicial Commission has been constituted to conduct an inquiry and once it submitsits report, action would be taken in accordance with law.
Shettar and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswmy hit backat the Siddaramaiah said government and the Chief Minister had failed to understand the feelings of the people and tryingto "close" the issue.
Both leaders said they would continue with day-night protest until government concedes their demand.
As opposition parties stuck to their stand oncontinuing the protest, the Speaker adjourned theHouse till tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Legislative Council also witnesseda similar protest, following which Council Chairman D HShankaramurthy adjourned the House till tomorrow.
