Oppn demands disqualification of state Plg Com Dy Chairman

Bangalore, June 24 (UNI) Opposition parties in the Karnataka Legislative Council today demanded disqualification of Council members D H Shankaramurthy and "Mukyamantri"Chandru saying they held office of profit.

While Shankaramurthy had been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the state Planning Commission, Chandru headed the Kannada Development Authority.

Rising the issue during discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, R Sudarshan (Cong) said that since both the members held the office of profit they should be disqualified from the house immediately. Another Congress member Ugrappa said the continuation of both members in the Upper House attracted Article 191 and the Chairman should take immediate steps to disqualify both of them. "Even if both the members resign now they cannot escape from disqulification provision as per the Act", he contended.

Despite Home Minister Dr V S Acharya clarified that necessary amendement to the Act had been made in 2006 providing provision to hold office of profit while being member of the Legislative Council.

Basavaraj Horatti (JD-S) intervened and said the BJP Government, by making Shankaramurthy as a permanent invitee to the Cabinet Meeting, has set a new precedent.

The Chairman reserved his ruling on the issue for tomorrow.

UNI MSP/SR SKB1925