Protest turns to party in Karnataka assembly

Bangalore, Jul 13: After the debate on illegal mining in Karnataka assembly on Monday, Jul 12, bonhomie spread among the Congress and JD(S) legislators.

As the AC began to chill the House, some members called up family members and asked them to send some woolens.

While Siddaramaiah, the opposition leader managed some a blanket, shawl and cap, others changed into tracksuits and prepared to sleep, as reported by Times of India.

Assurance came from speaker K G Bopaiah that the members did not go hungry, and snacks arrived from Hotel Chalukya around 7pm. Later, dinner was served from Eden Park.

Congress and JD(S) had marched into the legislative assembly with purpose, determined to keep Friday's stalemate alive. And they came dressed for the occasion — JD(S) MLAs had donned yellow miner helmets, to serve as a snide reminder of Bellary's controversial mines, and also as obvious protection against physical harm.

The Congress wanted the Reddy brothers and their supporters to be suspended for the rest of the session, a police case lodged and a CBI probe into illegal mining.

Congress continued their dharna against the use of expletives and life threats by ministers G Janardhana Reddy, G Karunakara Reddy and MLAs G Somashekara Reddy, Suresh Babu and Nagendra. The opposition also staged a dharna in the legislative council.

Late on Monday, Jul 12, as the tabloid reported, opposition leader Siddaramaiah announced that he would be taking out a padayatra from Bangalore to Bellary, covering the 301km distance in 15-20 days, after the session concludes .

OneIndia News