Minister's remark sparks tension in K'taka Assembly

Bangalore, Jul 10 (UNI) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed some tense moments today when former Speaker and senior Congress member Ramesh Kumar, in a fit of rage, moved menacingly towards Housing Minister D T Jayakumar for his 'provocative' remarks.

The incident took place when the House was discussing the possibilities of reviewing Speaker's ruling on the adjournment motion notice given by the Congress members on a BJP legislators allegation that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Forest Minister C Chennigappa had received a bribe of Rs 150 crore from mine operators in Bellary district.

When Mr Kumar was urging the Speaker to reconsider his ruling and allow a discussion on the issue through an adjournment motion, Mr Jayakumar entered into a wordy duel with him. Certain remarks made by the minister provoked the Congress members and they trooped to the well of the House shouting slogans following which the Speaker adjourned the House for lunch break.

To everyone's surprise, an irate Kumar started moving menacingly towards Mr Jayakumar. However, he was stopped by his party colleagues. Several members, who were leaving the House for lunch break, returned and escorted a visibly upset Kumar to the lobby. When the House reassembled, Kumar referred to the issue and sought clarification from the Speaker as to whether issues pending before a court could be discussed in the House.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M P Prakash, endorsing the views of the Congress members, appealed to them to remain calm. He also urged Mr Kumar to forget the episode and cooperate and the latter agreed immediately.

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