Stalemate continues in K'taka Legislative Council

Bangalore, Feb 8 (UNI) With both the Karnataka Government and the main Opposition Congress sticking to their stand on the issue of appointment of Officiating Chairman of the Legislative Council, the House was adjourned without transacting any business for the seventh consecutive day today.

Opposing the appointment, the Congress members, led by Leader of the Opposition H K Patil, stalled the proceedings immediately after the House assembled. They raised slogans against the State Government and objected to Mr Thippanna occupying the Chair.

As his attempts to coerce the agitating Congress members to participate in discussions did not yield any desired result, Mr Thippanna adjourned the House for 30 minutes. However, when the House resumed, the Congress members continued creating noisy scenes, amidst strong protest from the treasury benches. As nothing could be heard in the din, Mr Thippanna adjourned the House for the day.

Earlier, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy convened a meeting of all floor leaders in the Council and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly N Dharam Singh to find a solution to the deadlock. The Congress stuck to its demand of holding elections to the vacant post of Council Chairman, which was rejected by the State Government.

UNI