Cong attitude anti-development, says K'taka CM

Bangalore, Mar 2: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today ridiculed the Congress for its 'adamant' stand on the issue relating to the passing of the motion of thanks to the Governor's second address to the joint session of the Legislature in the the Assembly and said it showed that it was ''anti development.'' Speaking to newspersons in his chamber after the Assembly was adjourned for lunch, he regretted that the Congress had stalled the proceedings of the House for three days over the issue. ''They are frustrated and it shows that they cannot live without power,'' he said.

He reiterated that leaders should not indulge in politicking in the Legislature as it was meant to discuss issues related to overall development of the state. Pressurising the Speaker to reconsider his ruling on the issue was not in good taste, he said, adding that he would leave the issue to the people for judgment.

Talking to reporters separately, Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh termed the Speaker's ruling as ''unconstitutional, illegal and irresponsible.'' It was a 'black day' in the history of the State Legislature, he said.

To a question, he explained that the entire proceedings of the House would become null and void if the motion of thanks to the Governor's address delivered on January 19 was either rejected or passed.

Asked whether the Congress party move a motion of no confidence against the Speaker, he said 'wait and see.' The Speaker had rendered the Governor's first address to the joint session on January 19 as infructuous and held the second one delivered on February 24 valid.

UNI