'Sex scandal' continues to rock Karnataka assembly
Bengaluru, Mar 23: The 'sex scandal' allegedly involving BJP MLA and former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi rocked the Karnataka Assembly again on Tuesday, with the Opposition Congress protesting in the well of the house, demanding an inquiry monitored by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Repeated adjournments marred the proceedings, pushing it towards a washout, as Congress members prevented any business from taking place by shouting slogans, even as the government did not budge to their demand and remained adamant.
Efforts by Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri to normalise the situation to transact business by calling a meeting of floor leaders did not make any headway.
However, there was a slight shift in the Congress' stand with Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah stating that the Special Investigation Team probing the case should be monitored by the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly,Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa charged Congress with wasting the time of the House as they don't have any issues.
"During the budget session, our Congress friends, by giving lame excuses, are protesting.
Ramesh Jarkiholi has already resigned, taking moral responsibility and investigation is on. The woman (in the video) is not coming forward to give her statement..we are trying to find her... what else has to be done? Why are you (Congress) protesting? I'm not able to understand," he said.
Jarkiholi, BJP MLA from Gokak, resigned as minister on March 3 after a social activist lodged a police complaint alleging sexual harassment to a 'job aspirant' and video clips purportedly showing their intimate moments surfaced. He has repeatedly claimed innocence and that the video was "fake".
Soon after the House paid obituary to former Minister B D Basavaraju, who passed away on Monday,Congress members trooped into the well, demanding a court monitored probe.
"If the government does not agree to our demands, how can we cooperate?" Siddaramaiah asked when the Speaker requested them to cooperate to take up the question hour.
Waving CDs, Congress members shouted "down down CD government,"to which some BJP MLAS like M P Renukacharya "Down down to manufacturers of CDs...Congress, a CD factory."
The Speaker said it was not right to carry CDs to the House and brandish them and asked the members to allow conduct of question hour.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basavaraj Bommai said government has given a detailed reply to the matter after discussions on Monday and there was nothing more to add to it.
"The investigation is already going on... please don't waste the time of the House.By not allowing it to function,the rights of the other members are being infringed. It should not happen," he added.
As his repeated appeals went in vain, Kageri adjourned the House for some time and during the break, summoned the floor leaders to find a way out of the impasse.
When the House resumed, Congress members continued to protest from the well, raising slogans against the government.
The Speaker informed the House he had spoken to floor leaders about finding a way out and transacting the business.
Pointing out that discussion on the budget and demands are pending, he said "this House does not belong to just the opposition or ruling party,but to all 224 members.Everyone has the right to raise their issues and take part in discussion.
It should not be curtailed.
If you are not happy with the government's response, plan activities outside, but allow the house to function."
Bommai again intervened to say government has made its stand clear to the LoP during the meeting. If the opposition was not satisfied with it, they could do anything outside, but not infringe on rights of other members through disruptions.
"If they are in the well, let them stand silently, if not take action against them," he urged the Speaker.
As Kageri requested the LoP to cooperate, Siddaramaiah said they were making a fair demand, that the probe should be under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
"Let them get it done by SIT. we are not asking for a Judicial Commission, but our intention is that the truth has to come out... if our demands are met, we will cooperate."
As repeated appeal to members to go back to their seats went unheard and slogans like "Down down CD government" continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till post lunch.
Congress had raised the issue on Monday, demanding that Jarkiholi be booked for rape and for an independent inquiry monitored by the Chief Justice.
The LoP had alleged that the SIT was focusing only on the conspiracy behind the scandal, but not the woman
Bommai had defended the SIT probe and said guidelines are being followed with regard to the woman's video statement.
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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.”
