CM Yediyurappa hints at curtailing legislature session, LoP Siddaramaiah wants extension
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa hinted at curtailing the eight-day long monsoon session of the state legislature that began on Monday, saying he will discuss with opposition leaders about ending it soon after discussion on important necessary issues, due to the COVID pandemic.
The session is actually scheduled till September 30.
"I will sit and talk with the leaders of the opposition, even the parliament session is likely to be curtailed. Due to COVID reasons, about 55-60 MLA aren't able to come and attend the proceedings," Yediyurappa said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said "I will appeal to the opposition that in such a situation let's discuss a few important issues that are necessary and try to end as soon as possible, let's see how they (opposition) will cooperate."
Many legislators, including ministers, have tested positive for Covid-19.
A decision is likely in this regard at the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting.
However, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Siddaramaiah has objected to curtailing of the session and instead demanded that it be extended.
"Yediyurappa spoke to me. I said it is true that COVID cases are increasing, you (government) are responsible for it. You bring in 35-40 bills and want to curtail the eight day session, we will not agree to it. We want it to be extended to three weeks.We will agree only for extending the session," Siddaramaiah said. This will be communicated at the BAC meeting also, he added.
In response to a question, Siddaramaiah said "let the government withdraw the bills (they want to introduce), let's see then and discuss."
The monsoon session of Karnataka legislature began today under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid unprecedented safety measures and restrictions, even as several ministers and legislators have tested positive for the infection.
The assembly met at 11 am and paid obituary references to leaders and prominent personalities who died while the session was in recess.
It also paid tributes to Galwan valley martyrs and COVID victims and health workers.
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Opposition stages walkout in RS over BJP MP's remarks on misuse of OBC reservation
New Delhi (PTI): The Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a walkout by several opposition parties over BJP member K Laxman's remarks that OBC reservation is being misused in the name of religion.
Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the walkout, saying the Congress leadership and the opposition's INDIA alliance are neither interested in debates nor have any respect for democratic values or the Constitution.
During Zero Hour, Laxman raised the issue of OBC reservation, and said their quota is being misused in the name of religion.
He said some states are extending reservations to Muslims and requested the government to order a comprehensive review of such religion-based reservations.
While he was speaking, certain opposition members raised objections to Laxman's remarks.
Later, almost the entire opposition staged a walkout from the House.
Nadda said the opposition parties are disrespectful to the Constitution and do not respect the parliamentary procedures.
He further said opposition parties consider Muslims as a vote bank, while accusing them of engaging in appeasement politics.
