Oppn walks out against Yediyurappa's reply on privilege notice

Bangalore, Apr 11 (UNI) Karnataka Assembly Speaker Krishna today withheld consent to a privilege motion notice, given by Leader of the Opposition N Dharam Singh and others against Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa for announcing Rs 17 crore worth schemes in the Legislative Council while passing the budget proposals recently.

Mr Singh and others, in their preliminary submission, contended that the Deputy Chief Minister had committed breach of privilege by announcing the schemes in the Upper House. It was unconstitutional and undemocratic and he should apologise for having made such an announcement, they argued.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said placing such supplementary estimates along with the budget proposals would result in the budget losing its sanctity.

Denying that he had committed breach of privilege as alleged, Mr Yediyurappa said these new schemes announced were not a part of the appropriation bill passed by the Assembly and would be included in the supplementary estimates later during the year. The Congress members staged a walkout, dissatisfied with the reply.

After hearing the arguments and counter arguments, the Speaker reserved his ruling.

UNI