CM Siddaramaiah pulls up ministers over delay in replies to MLAs' questions
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pulled up his cabinet colleagues over the delay in furnishing replies to the questions of legislators, warning that the lapse has caused embarrassment to the government and undermined the dignity of the House.
In a letter addressed to all ministers on Monday, the Chief Minister flagged that a large number of questions raised by MLAs across sessions of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly remain unanswered, and directed immediate corrective action by departments and officials.
"A list of department-wise questions that have remained unanswered from the 1st Session to the 9th Session of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly (2023-26) has been prepared. It has been observed that, as of the Assembly sitting held on March 16, 2026, out of 245 questions, only 90 have been answered so far," Siddaramaiah said.
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The chief minister noted that the failure to respond to pending questions has hindered legislators from effectively participating in House proceedings. "This has not only caused serious embarrassment to the government but has also undermined the rights of the legislators and the dignity of the House," he said.
The letter comes a day after an unprecedented development in the Assembly, where Speaker U T Khader adjourned proceedings and walked out, expressing strong displeasure over the inadequate replies furnished by government departments. The move followed protests by opposition members, including Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, who accused the government of ignoring repeated warnings from the Chair.
During the session on Monday, Home Minister G Parameshwara had tabled only 84 written replies against over 200 unstarred questions, prompting sharp reactions from both the Speaker and the opposition. Khader had said he would not run the House until ministers and officials provided proper explanations.
Referring to the Speaker's concerns, Siddaramaiah said in his letter that "the Hon'ble Speaker expressed strong displeasure" over the issue during a meeting held on Monday. He directed that departmental secretaries must immediately furnish explanations for failing to send replies on time to the Legislature.
Further, he instructed that in cases where replies are still pending, departments must write separately to the concerned MLAs, giving a definite timeline for providing the information.
The chief minister's intervention follows assurances given by the government in the House that strict action, including issuing notices and possible suspension of erring officials, would be taken to address the backlog and prevent recurrence.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
