Controversial photo creates bedlam in K'taka Assembly

Belgaum, Sep 27 (UNI) Karnataka Assembly was briefly adjourned afer pandeonium when a ruling party member displayed a photo of Congress leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and N Dharam Singh with former police official T G Sangram Singh, an accused in the multi-crore stamp paper racket.

When Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh appealed to the Speaker to take up the adjournment motion given notice of by the Congress and allow discussion on the Rs 800 crore forest scam, in which a senior IPS officer was allegedly involved, the JD(S) member M P Venkatesh displayed the photograph. However, Mr Venkatesh's comments could not be heard in the din.

Immediately, the Opposition members were on their feet, urging the Chair to take cognisance of the act and refer it to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an inquiry.

Taking strong exception to the conduct of the ruling party member when the Opposition members were appealing to take up their adjournment motion, Mr Singh charged the Government with trying to threaten and provocate the Opposition, which could not be tolerated.

Everybody had watched the senior IPS officer demanding money on behalf of the Chief Minister in a CD, broadcast by a private channel. As the matter was of serious nature, discussion on it should be taken up, setting aside all other businesses.

Mr Kharge challenged the Chief Minister to refer it to the CBI and accused the Government of indulging in ''blackmailing tactics'' to gag the Opposition. He sought an open apology from the JD(S) member if he was unable to prove the charge or the Government could not refer it to CBI.

Intervening, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Home Minister M P Prakash defended the JD (S) member, stating that he only wanted to prove that anything could be fabricated to tarnish the image of people in public life.

However, the Opposition members stuck to their demand of apology from the Legislator or face a police complaint for indulging in blackmailing.

Mr Venkatesh, refusing to accept the Opposition demand, said he would submit whatever documents he had to the office of the Speaker.

The reply prompted the Congress members to rush to the well of the House, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till 1550 hrs.

UNI MV GD LS KN1729