K'taka Oppn move privilege motion against Govt

Belgaum, Sep 25: Members of Opposition parties in the Karnataka Assembly today gave notice for a privilege motion against the State Government, alleging that it had convened the special session of the legislature, which began here today, in gross violation of rules and procedures.

Accusing the ruling JD(S)-BJP combine of attempting to gain political mileage from the special session and not taking the Opposition into confidence, Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh claimed that it was during his rule that an official committee had been constituted to recommend the Government on holding the Assembly session outside Bangalore. The efforts have now materailised, but the State Government was trying to convert the special session into a JD(S) and BJP session, instead of 'peoples session' which needs to be condemned.

JD(U) leader J C Madhuswamy, Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj and CPI(M) member G V Srirama Reddy demanded Speaker Krishna to take up the motion immediately, setting aside other business.

Though Mr Nagaraj welcomed the special session, he condemned the manner in which the State Government had decided to convene the session. He claimed that the State Government had taken the decision in a hurry when the Speaker was abroad. The session could have been more meaningful if the Opposition had been taken into confidence.

Intervening in the discussion, Home Minister M P Prakash said that by taking such a historic decision, the Government had exhibited political will as far as the border dispute with Maharashtra was concerned. The decision would send across a message that the Mahajan Commission report on the Belgaum issue was final and all should abide by it.

Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa accused the Opposition of finding fault with the Government, instead of appreciating it.

Speaker Krishna, promising to look into the notice, adjourned the House till 1600 hrs for lunch.

UNI

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