Congress: Privilege motion against Kar Dep CM

Bangalore, Mar 31: Congress in Karnataka will consider moving a privilege motion against Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa for making fresh announcements after replying to a discussion on the budget in the state legislature yesterday.

Speaking to newsmen State Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders charged that the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, had committed breach of privilege and also amounted to contempt of the assembly by announcing 52 new schemes to a tune of Rs 202 crores in the legislature. After getting the budgetory proposals passed hurriedly in the Assembly, he had further announced new schemes amounting to Rs 17 crores thereby committing breach of public trust, they contended.

Condemning the Finance Minister's action Mr Kharge said it was undemocratic, unconstitutional and against the rules of business of the house. The Finance Minister was arrogant, egoistic and attempted to divide the society, he alleged saying that the Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's silence in the house was shocking and it amounted to giving approval to the Finance Minister's announcement.

Replying to queries former Speaker Ramesh Kumar, who was also present, said the Finance Minister had 'misbehaved' in the house and that the party did not rule out the possibility of meeting the Governor T N Chaturvedi and discuss the issue.

UNI