Tension escalated as BJP and JD(S) MLCs walked out in protest, demanding a more satisfactory response from the CM on pay panel report implementation.
Published Dec 06, 2023 | 12:43 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 06, 2023 | 12:44 AM
Karnataka government passes two resolutions against the centre in the house on Thursday. (file pic)
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has become a battleground of political exchanges and contentious debates as leaders from the BJP intensify their criticism of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government.
Opposition leader R Ashok vehemently voiced concerns over the state’s handling of drought relief, the ongoing power crisis, and the “Brand Bengaluru” initiative.
The BJP’s newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) spearheaded a scathing attack, pointing out apparent discrepancies in the issuance of liquor licences and demanding a thorough investigation into an alleged ₹1,000-crore scam in the Excise Department.
Meanwhile, tensions flared within the Assembly as Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy engaged in a heated exchange with Speaker UT Khader, leading to Rayareddy’s dramatic walkout.
Tensions escalated in the Karnataka Legislative Council as well, when BJP and JD(S) MLCs not only staged a protest inside the house over the delay in implementation of the 7th Pay Commission but also walked out of the Upper House expressing dissatisfaction over Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju’s response on the matter.
Karnataka Assembly LoP R Ashok on Tuesday came heavily on the Siddaramaiah-led-Karnataka government over drought relief works, power crisis, Brand Bengaluru, and irregularities in the issuance of liquor licences.
The Opposition BJP was brimming with confidence as it took the ruling party to task under the headship of its newly appointed LoP on the second day of the winter session in Belagavi.
Ashok expressed anguish over the Cabinet ministers turning out in very low numbers to the Assembly session.
In his very first address on the drought, Ashok said: “When the BJP government was at the helm, we carried out drought and flood relief works within two months of the natural calamity hitting Karnataka despite delayed NDRF grants from the Centre.”
He added: “The BJP government gave double the relief prescribed by the NDRF for crop failure. We urge the state government to provide the crop relief three times the norm, so that people can hail the government for relief works.”
Highlighting the power crisis in Karnataka, Ashok said: “Before the start of the winter session, I travelled to some parts of the state, where farmers complained that they could not water their crops despite having borewells because of the lack of power supply.”
He added: “The farmers are still not getting seven hours of regular power supply. The government must address this immediately and ensure the promised power supply to the agrarian community.”
The Opposition leader also stressed the supply of power during the day instead of night, citing the wild attack on some farmers while they were heading to water crops.
Taking a dig at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s flagship programme Brand Bengaluru, Ashok said: “It has been over seven months since the Congress government came to power, but it has not carried out a single development work. It has also not released any money for the MLAs to take up the works in their respective segments.”
In the absence of Shivakumar, Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy replied: “We never claimed that development works were initiated under Brand Bengaluru. We are still collecting the opinions and planning to make the Garden City a better place.”
He also sought cooperation from all Bengaluru MLAs, cutting across party lines, for the overall development of Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the Legislative Council as BJP and JD(S) MLCs walked out in a protest, demanding a more satisfactory response from Siddaramaiah regarding the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission report.
The dissatisfaction arose when the Council’s leader Boseraju’s reply failed to meet the expectations of BJP and JD(S) MLCs, who then jumped into the well of the House and raised slogans against the government.
The BJP’s YV Narayanaswamy highlighted concerns about the extension of the commission’s period without apparent justification and questioned the government’s commitment to addressing the financial constraints and increasing wages for government employees.
In response, Boseraju said: “The commission’s period has been extended until 15 March, 2024, citing the anticipation of the final report.”
“After the report is submitted to the government, its pros and cons will be assessed and appropriate decision will be taken,” assured the minister.
This answer triggered strong objections from the BJP and JD(S) legislators, leading to a dramatic walkout and accusations of the state government cheating government employees. Several MLCs even demanded a detailed debate on the matter for at least a week.
It may be noted that in the run-up to the 2023 Karnataka Assembly polls, the then Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and KPCC president DK Shivakumar had assured the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission report if their party was voted to power.
Tensions flared in the Assembly as well on Tuesday as a heated exchange unfolded between senior Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy and Speaker UT Khader.
The disagreement stemmed from the extension of Question Hour proceedings, with Rayareddy expressing discontent and urging the Speaker to adhere to the rules or discard the rulebook altogether.
The altercation reached its peak when Khader told off Rayareddy for arriving late and instructed him not to disrupt the ongoing proceedings.
The incident escalated during Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy’s response to a question on “Brand Bengaluru”, leading to a prolonged discussion and arguments between BJP and Congress members.
Frustrated by the Speaker’s refusal to let him speak, Rayareddy walked out of the House, stressing the lack of patience for member input.
Despite appeals from BJP members to show respect to the senior MLA, the Speaker continued with the proceedings, deepening the rift within the Assembly.
The third day of the winter session in the Karnataka Assembly also witnessed heated discussion over liquor licences and alleged irregularities related to the issuance of permits to open liquor shops in the state.
While BJP leaders — led by LoP R Ashok — opposed the issuance of new liquor licences, several MLAs demanded fresh liquor licences based on reservations.
“I was in Doddaballapur and other areas recently. I was astonished to find that the liquor was being sold illegally at petty shops. The government has to reduce the number of liquor shops instead of providing fresh licences.”
Meanwhile, several MLAs — including those from the ruling party — alleged a ₹1,000-crore scam in the Excise Department over issuing liquor licences and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The excise officials at the district level are flouting all norms to provide liquor licences. In most liquor shops, the officials have a partnership. I demand that the government launch an investigation,” appealed the Congress’ Bangarapet MLA SN Narayanaswamy.
Responding to all the allegations, Minister for Excise RB Thimmapur said: “I will seek a report from the district officials over the allegations of issuing liquor license illegally. We will also amend the reservation rules in liquor licences. If any officials are found guilty, we will take stringent action.”
