Congress pulls up government over the issue of Lokayukta.
The leader of the opposition in the legislative council, SR Patil, on Wednesday announced that his party would bring a no confidence motion against the ruling BJP government in the forthcoming Winter Session of the state legislature to be held in Belgaum.
Patil said that the infighting in BJP had worsened. “I know about the number of legislators, ministers and MPs attending the mega rally being convened by disgruntled former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa,” he said.
The no-confidence motion will have to be moved in the legislative assembly. “I will discuss the issue with the leader of the opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah and take a decision on this count before the Winter Session,” he added.
When asked about the Congress not acting on the chances of toppling the government, Patil explained that the opposition party was observing the developments closely. “We do not want to bring down this government. The people who voted the party to power will teach them a lesson as they are all set to bring their own downfall. However, we will move the no confidence motion,” he said.
This time, the winter session in Belgaum has been convened between December 5 and 15. “Two days will be Saturday and Sunday. One day will be consumed by obituaries. Frankly speaking, the session will be effectively held for just five days only.
The state is dogged with many major problems concerning electricity, drinking water, under utilisation of funds for development works. The people of North Karnataka are pinning their hopes on the Winter Session when their problems would be addressed,” he added.
“We need time to discuss all these issues. The BJP has been evasive all these days,” Patil said, and maintained that 14,000 cases were pending before the Lokayukta and the ruling BJP was in no mood to appoint a head to the anti-corruption institution.
“Chief minister Jagadish Shettar is making excuses by citing technical problems of the issue being dealt in the Supreme Court. In spite of being rapped by the courts, the government is shamelessly not thinking of appointing a Lokayukta,” he said.
“Shettar hails from North Karnataka which is known for people of grit and courage. But he is acting like a hapless person. An individual should bring respect to the chair. He should not get respect from the chair,” Patil remarked.
Puttaswamy ready to leave ministership for BSY
Minister for cooperation BJ Puttaswamy on Wednesday made it clear that if former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa asks him to quit his post and come with him, he is ready to do that.
Puttaswamy said that Yeddyurappa was his political guru, “Not only me, all the 70 leaders who attended the party at Yeddyurappa’s residence on Tuesday will obey his orders,” he said.
When asked that will he resign to attend the Karnataka Janatha Party (KJP) launching convention scheduled to be held in Haveri on December 10, Puttaswamy said that he will take appropriate decision at the right time. He further said that Yeddyurappa and Jagadish Shettar are both leaders for him as of now. Puttaswamy explained that the orders have been issued to disburse loans to most deserving farmers.
“Earlier there was a ring where a section of farmers availed the government benefits repeatedly. This time, we have asked cooperative banks to consider 25% fresh applications,” he added.
Somanna is a ‘good friend’
When asked about the fighting episode with cabinet colleague, Puttaswamy maintained that minister V Somanna apologised to him on the same evening and they are good friends now. He also maintained that nothing happened between them.
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