Opposition moves privilege motion against BJP

Bangalore, Jul 30: Opposition Congress on Wednesday, July 30 moved a privilege motion against BJP Government in Karnataka on the issue of awarding a contract to supply energy foods to a Tamil Nadu based company ignoring State owned Agro Industries.

Moving the motion in the Legislative Council amidst protests from the treasury bench Congress member Ugrappa said that the government had awarded a two year contract amounting to Rs 260 crore to a Hosur-based company for supply of Energy Foods, which was so far being supplied by Agro Industries in the state. He said that the government's action had came within a week of assuming office. The issue was raised during the rule of the previous JD(S)-BJP coalition government and was kept in abeyance and during Governor rule. It was not taken up as it was a policy matter.

But this government, immediately after assuming the office, cleared the file despite the fact that the company was black listed by Tamil Nadu government. This had adversely affected the interests of the State owned company which was floated in 1978 under a UNESCO scheme, he alleged.

Home Minister V S Acharya, who is also floor leader and Minister for Medical Edcuation Ramachandra Gowda objected for raising the issue as privilege motion since it did not amount to any breach of privilege.

However, officiating Chairman N Thippanna allowed the motion to be moved and said he would give a ruling on its admissibility later.

UNI