Bommai questions CM Siddaramaiah’s response to Minister Patil’s letter on illegal mining
Gadag: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has raised concerns over the state government’s silence on Law Minister H.K. Patil’s letter, which expressed dissatisfaction with the government's handling of illegal mining cases.
Speaking to the media in Gadag, Bommai pointed out that 90% of the illegal mining cases registered remain unresolved, a serious issue raised by a sitting minister from the ruling government itself. “It is now up to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to respond. The people of Karnataka are watching,” he said.
He further noted that H.K. Patil has demanded a special court and a high-level probe into the mining cases. While several SITs and CBI investigations are already underway, Bommai questioned whether Patil would also support a probe into alleged lease renewals done during Siddaramaiah’s previous term in 2017–18, just before a central law mandated e-auctioning of mining leases.
Bommai also referred to corruption allegations against SIT officials and hinted that earlier mining lease renewals may have been selectively granted by the state government.
Responding to a question about Congress MLA B.R. Patil’s remarks on corruption in the allocation of government housing, Bommai remarked, “B.R. Patil often raises serious issues, but no one in the Congress respects his words. It is clear that those who speak against corruption have no dignity or space in the Congress party.”
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
