K'taka Assembly adjourned abruptly for some time

Bangalore, Mar 23 (UNI) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly was adjourned abruptly for ten minutes today following noisy scenes and heated exchanges between the Opposition and Treasury benches over the status of the Janata Dal (Secular) legislators, who broke with the congress and aligned with the BJP to form an alternate Government.

As soon as Speaker Krishna called Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj to participate in the discussion on budget estimates, Mr Nagaraj sought to know the action taken by the Speaker on a petition filed by him and other members on the issue.

Intervening, Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh urged the Speaker to give a ruling soon as the High Court had directed the petitioners to approach the Speaker on the issue. He referred to the Allahabad High Court verdict on a similar issue.

At this juncture, JD (Secular) leader P G R Sindhia reiterated that former Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash continued to be his party leader in the House and recalled that the Speaker had recognised the party faction which had joined hands with the BJP. He demanded that the Speaker take a decision immediately to bring clarity in the minds of the bureaucracy and a stable Government.

Ruling party members, led by Minister Cheluvarayaswamy, objected to Mr Sindhia's remarks. Their views were vociferously countered by the Congress members and nothing was audible in the din.

The Speaker explained that he had issued notices to the respondents and it would take some time to decide as he had to act as a tribunal in the matter. He appealed to the members not to use the Assembly to settle their political scores.

As the members continued with their heated exchanges, the Speaker adjourned the House for ten minutes.

UNI SR GD VD BS1523