Cong petitions K'taka Governor on Council Chairman issue

Bangalore, Feb 2 (UNI) The Opposition Congress today petitioned the Karnataka Governor against the State Government appointing JD(S) member N Thippanna as the Officiating Chairman of the Legislative Council and urged him to exercise his powers under Article 175 of the Constitution to force the Government to hold election forthwith.

Speaking to newspersons after meeting the Governor, Leader of the Opposition in the Council H K Patil said the Congress members have apprised the Governor about the Government appointing Mr Thippanna ''illegally and against the principles of all democratic values''.

After the Council Deputy Chairman could not attend the House as he had met with an accident, the State Government, instead of holding election, had chosen Mr Thippanna to act as the Chairman.

He said the Governor was receptive to their demand and exuded confidence that the matter would be resolved soon so that the Council, which had to be adjourned without transacting any business for the last two days, could discuss several burning issues.

Congress leader V S Ugrappa, who also spoke, said the Governor promised to seek a report from the State Government.

UNI