K'taka Speaker accepts resignation of four members

Bangalore, July 18 (UNI) Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Jagdish Shettar today accepted the resignation of members Balachandra Jarkiholi, Shivanagouda Naik (both JD-S), and Anand Asnotikar and Jaggesh (both Congress) to join the ruling BJP.

Mr Shettar made this announcement in the House, saying that all the four members had tendered their resignations to him early this month.

Except Mr Jaggesh, the other three members were made Cabinet Ministers, immediately after joining the BJP.

Both Congress and JD (S) have taken serious exception to the poaching of its members by the BJP to attain a majority in the House, terming it a ''murder of democracy.'' It may be recalled that the BJP fell short of the magical number of 113 by just three to form a Government with simple majority.

However, it later formed the Government with the support of six independents.

The Speaker adjourned the House to Monday after making the announcement.

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