Council adjourned again

Bangalore, Feb 2 (UNI) Opposition Congress, for the second day in continuation stalled the proceedings of the Karnataka Legislative Council voicing its protest over the delay in holding election to chairman's post in the house and opposing the appointment of JD(S) member N Thippanna as officiating Chairman.

When the house resumed for the day, the congress members, led by leader of the opposition H K Patil were on their legs, continuing their protest and demanded immeidate election of the presiding officer.

The house witnessed heated exchanges betweent he oppsotiion and reasury benches even as Mr Patil declared that the Congress was not ready to recognise him as the presiding officer stating his appointment was illegal and unconstitutional.

Higher Education Minister and leader of the house Mr D K Shankaramurthy who strongly defending the government's action in appointing Mr.Tippanna as the officiating chairman condemned the Congress protest.

A remark by B K Chandrashekhar (Congress) that the appointment of JD(S) member as the Chairman of the House without conducting elections was nothing but like regularaising the illegal revenue sites saw the Chair cautioning him for such utterances.

He then adjourned the house till February five, with the congress not relenting to give up their protest.

Mr Thippanna had been officiating Chairman of the house as Deputy Chairman Sachidananda Khot was recuping from an injury he received in a road accident and the post of chairman was vacant for the last eight months.

Later speaking to newsmen Mr Patil said ''the House can not be functioned until state government follow the established principles in appoiting the Chairman''.

UNI