Congress to petition K'taka Governor

Bangalore, Feb 1 (UNI) The Congress will petition the Karnataka Governor against the appointment of JD(S) member N Thippanna as the Officiating Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House H K Patil said today.

Speaking to newspersons here, he alleged that the JD(S)-BJP Government had illegally and unconstitutionally appointed Mr Thippanna as the Officiating Chairman, throwing all norms to winds.

Mr Patil said a piquant situation had arisen in the Council, with the Chairman post remaining vacant since eight months and Deputy Chairman Sachidananda Khot recuperating in a hospital after meeting with a road accident. The Government, instead of holding election, had appointed Mr Thippanna with the aim of stopping the Congress, which enjoyed majority in the House, getting its candidate elected, he alleged.

He said the Congress had boycotted the Business Advisory Council meeting, convened by Mr Thippanna, as the party did not recognise his appointment.

UNI