K'taka Assembly discusses Kalam's address to Legislature

Bangalore, Mar 16 (UNI) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly today initiated a debate on the address delivered by President A P J Kalam to the joint session of the Legislature here on November 20 last year.

Speaking on the resolution moved by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy in this regard, Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh urged the government to announce a clear cut economic policy and spell out the amount earmarked to ensure effective implementation of the 11-point formula, suggested by the President in his address for overall development of the state.

He reiterated that the new JD (S)-BJP coalition government was a 'historic unholy alliance' and cautioned Mr Kumaraswamy to be wary of the 'reactionary' tendencies of his coalition partner.

Referring to the political situation prevailing in the state, he said Mr Kumaraswamy was heading a breakaway group of the JD(S), headed by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda. The new government did not have the blessings of Mr Devegowda, who had suspended all the 40 MLAs supporting the new government, he recalled.

Janata Dal (United) leader J C Madhuswamy, participating in the discussion, wondered whether the House could take up a discussion on such addresses. Most of the suggestions made by the President for the progress of the state had already been implemented and if the state government considered his suggestions now, it would amount to exhibition of ''intellectual bankruptcy,'' he felt.

He said it would be enough if the government submitted the reports filed by the Dr Sarojini Committee and Dr D M Nanjundappa Committee and implemented its recommendations in toto.

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