Kalaburagi (K'taka), July 30: Senior MLA B R Patil on Sunday admitted that he threatened to resign during the recent Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, citing "self-respect", but said he did not apologise for writing a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister highlighting his concerns.
The CLP meeting on Thursday evening was significant as it came amid reports that as many as 30 legislators have written to Siddaramaiah and the party leadership expressing concern over non-implementation of development works in their constituencies.
The behaviour and conduct of certain ministers has upset some legislators, Patil said, as he warned that their fight would continue, if it is not corrected.
The Aland MLA, however said he is satisfied with the Legislature party meeting held on Thursday and what transpired there.
Senior MLA B R Patil | DH File Photo
"I too have seen media and newspaper reports. I don't know who has apologised. I have not apologised, nor will I. Have we committed any crime to apologise? Or have we made a big mistake?" Patil said in response to a question that some ministers including Home Minister G Parameshwara had stated that those who wrote letters to the CM had apologised at the CLP meeting.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "There is internal democracy in our party, we have the right to request a legislature party meeting.
Accordingly, leaders have called (for the meeting). There was open and detailed discussion in the meeting and I'm satisfied, but I'm not a coward to apologise. If I had committed any mistake, I would have apologised," he added.
Several legislators are said to be miffed and have complained that they had not been able to get work done in their constituencies, and have not been granted transfers (of government servants) as requested. They have expressed unhappiness regarding some ministers, alleging that they were not cooperating with them.
According to party sources, Patil, one of the MLAs who wrote to the CM, slammed ministers at the CLP meeting for not taking MLAs into confidence.
They said Patil asserted his rights when Siddaramaiah questioned the need for the letter that was written to him.
Stating that there is no disgruntlement, Patil today told reporters that he along with some legislators wanted certain issues to be discussed for which they had requested that a legislature party meeting be called.
Asked whether he had said that he would resign at the meeting, he said, "I said one thing at one point, that if my self respect is hurt I will throw my resignation and go."
He however did not wish to elaborate as to what the context was in which he made such a statement. "It cannot be discussed openly in the media, we have discussed internally."
The behaviour and conduct of certain ministers has upset some legislators, Patil said, adding, "I don't know whether CM has advised them (ministers) or not... If their behaviour is not right, our fight against it will be there."
Clarifying that there is no team as such in place to fight against the ministers' behaviour, Patil, in response to a question, admitted that he walked out of the CLP meeting, and was persuaded by a couple of ministers to get back. But he did not wish to go into details.
He however said that the chief minister subsequently spoke to him over the phone.
Patil, clarifying that the issue that legislators have is not related to transfer of government servants, said that the CM has explained at the CLP meeting about the burden on the exchequer due to implementation of the poll guarantees, and that there will be shortage of funds for developmental works initially this year, which will be set right in the days ahead.
"We are satisfied with what CM said," he added.
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(Press Release)- Mangalore, November 28, 2024: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), in association with the BIT NSS, organized a Constitution Day event under the theme “My Constitution, My Pride.” The event, held at the International Seminar Hall, saw active participation from students, NSS volunteers, and faculty.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Pushparaj, a distinguished academic from SDM Law College, Mangalore, who highlighted the significance of constitutional principles in shaping a progressive and inclusive society.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Head of Mechanical Engineering Department Dr. Vasantha Kumar, followed by an inaugural address by Dr. S I Manjur Basha, Principal of BIT.
The ceremony featured notable activities, including the watering of a plant to symbolize growth and sustainability, the oath taking of constitution's Preamble led by Dr. Mohamed Kafeel Delvi.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Pushparaj, was introduced by Dr. Imran Mokashi,Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Mohamed Kafeel Delvi, NSS Program Officer & Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sandeep Nambiar S, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Saifulla, a student of the 3rd Semester, Mechanical Department, served as the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the program flowed seamlessly.
This celebration reinforced the importance of the Constitution and inspired attendees, to uphold its values in their daily lives.