Cong seeks to move resolution on Mahajan Commission report

Belgaum, Sep 25 (UNI) Criticising the ruling JD(S)-BJP coalition Government in Karnataka for undermining the importance of the special session of the Legislature, the Opposition Congress today sought to move a resolution in the State Assembly, urging the Union Government and neighbouring Maharashtra to implement the Mahajan Commission report on the border dispute in toto.

Amidst loud protests from the treasury benches and some Opposition members, Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh said the Government should have taken the initiative to move such a resolution at the historic session and sought Speaker Krishna to take it up for discussion, keeping aside all other businesses.

He said the Congress had always made its stand clear that the recommendations of the Mahajan Commission should be binding on all.

The Karnataka Assembly had in the past adopted such resolutions and passing it once again at the Belgaum session would send a strong signal both to the Centre and the neighbouring State that Belgaum was a part and parcel of Karnataka and there was no question of ceding any inch of land to others.

Replying, Home Minister M P Prakash said the Government was ready to move such a resolution unanimously and denied that the Government was not serious on the matter.

Intervening, Messrs J C Madhuswamy (JD-U), G V Srirama Reddy (CPI-M) and Vatal Nagaraj (Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha) pleaded with the Chair to first take up their privilege motion notice on failure of the State Government to adhere to rules and procedures in convening the special session.

In the Council, Leader of the Opposition H K Patil attempted to move a resolution to this effect. However, it drew vociferous protests from the ruling combine, leading to noisy scenes.

Pandemonium prevailed as the treasury and Opposition members traded corruption charges against each other over the mining issue and the Telgi scam. Amidst the din, Acting Chairman Sachidananda Khot adjourned the House for ten minutes.

UNI MV-MNP VK-GD SY BS1752