Published Mar 17, 2026 | 2:02 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2026 | 2:02 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Credit: x.com/siddaramaiah
Synopsis: “A list of department-wise questions that have remained unanswered from the 1st Session to the 9th Session of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly (2023-26) has been prepared. It has been observed that, as of the Assembly sitting held on March 16, 2026, out of 245 questions, only 90 have been answered so far,” Siddaramaiah said in the letter.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, 16 March, pulled up cabinet ministers over the delay in furnishing replies to the questions of legislators.
In a letter addressed to all the ministers, he warned that the lapse has caused embarrassment to the government and undermined the dignity of the House.
“A list of department-wise questions that have remained unanswered from the 1st Session to the 9th Session of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly (2023-26) has been prepared. It has been observed that, as of the Assembly sitting held on March 16, 2026, out of 245 questions, only 90 have been answered so far,” Siddaramaiah said in the letter.
He said that failure to respond to pending questions has hindered legislators from effectively participating in House proceedings.
“This has not only caused serious embarrassment to the government but has also undermined the rights of the legislators and the dignity of the House,” he said.
The chief minister’s letter came on the same day that Speaker U T Khader adjourned proceedings and walked out of the House after expressing strong displeasure over the inadequate replies furnished by government departments.
In his letter, Siddaramaiah said that the “Speaker expressed his deep dissatisfaction” regarding the issue in a meeting held on Monday.
He further directed departmental secretaries to immediately furnish explanations for failing to send replies on time to the Legislature.
He also instructed that in cases where replies are still pending, departments must write separately to the concerned MLAs, giving a definite timeline for providing the information.
On Monday, Home Minister G Parameshwara had tabled only 84 written replies against over 200 unstarred questions, prompting criticism from both the Speaker and the opposition.
(With inputs from Anisha Reddy)
