Bhatkal issue: K'taka Assembly adjourns amidst noisy scenes

Bangalore, Apr 3 (UNI) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly was today adjourned for the day amid noisy scenes and dharna by the Opposition members over the Bhatkal riots, which claimed the life of one person.

When the House met after lunch, the Opposition members tried to move an adjournment motion on the issue. However it was converted into a matter of urgent importance by Speaker Krishna.

Besides seeking more details on the incident, the Congress members, led by Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh, also referred to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's recent statement that the Bhatkal issue was politically-motivated and demanded that he come out with the names of the politicians.

They also insisted that Mr Kumaraswamy make a statement on the Bhatkal issue in the House and not Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. When Mr Yediyurappa replied that the Chief Minister was leaving for New Delhi to attend a meeting, the Congress members, shouting slogans, trooped into the well of the House and staged a dharna.

Deputy Speaker N Y Gopalakrishna, who was in the chair, adjourned the House for the day, even as the Opposition members continued their dharna.

Communal riots were triggered in Bhatkal following the disappearance of an idol from a temple on March 29.

UNI SR RG LS PC2344