Oppn stages walkout on BC Commission issue

Bangalore, Aug 1 (UNI) The entire Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council today staged a walkout to protest the government's alleged failure in fulfilling its promise of setting up a full-fledged Permanent Backward Classes Commission in the state.

Replying to Mr Aravinda Limbavali (BJP) during the Question Hour, Karnataka Social Welfare Minister Balakrishna Jarakihole said the government had appointed the chairman to the Commission and one member.

''The state government has also taken measures to name the other three members of the Commission which would be done shortly,'' the minister said.

Protesting the minister's reply, Opposition Leader in the House H K Patil claimed both Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his Deputy B S Yediyurappa had promised on the Floor of the House that a full-fledged commission would be constituted.

''The government has not kept its word and failed to comply with the Constitutional obligation,'' he charged.

Mr V R Sudarshan (Cong), Mr M P Nadagouda (JD (U)) and Mr Marithibbe Gowda (Ind) also criticised the government for its failure in appointing members to the Commission and said it was not concerned about the plight of OBCs in the state.

Intervening, Deputy Chief Minister Yediyurappa said the government had taken initiative in naming the Chairman and other members to the Commission and promised that shortly a full-fledged commission would come into existence.

Not satisfied with the government's reply, the entire Opposition led by Mr H K Patil walked out of the House.

UNI