BJP today created uproar in Karnataka Assembly seeking removal of Social Welfare Minister Anjaneya over a sting operation by a TV channel, which purportedly showed his wife accepting bribe.
Amidst the din, government managed to pass two bills.
As the House met, BJP leader Jagadish Shettar raised the issue and questioned the government's intention in handing over the case to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without taking any action against the Minister.
In a video clip aired by a prominent Kannada TV channel earlier this month, a man was purportedly seen placing a bundle of currency notes on a table in front of Social Welfare Minister Anjaneya's wife at their house.
The channel claimed that the money was a bribe of Rs 7 lakh which was purportedly offered for approval of a tender worth Rs 7 crore in a particular district. The channel had also said that it had used fake currency notes in the sting operation.
Seeking to corner the government, BJP has also submitted a memorandum to Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala seeking his intervention for "removal of Anjaneya".
Shettar said as the sting involves Minister's close family member, there is suspicion against him, so until he is cleared from charges, Anjaneya should step down.
Industries Minister R V Deshpande pointed out to the Chair that the matter was before the CID for investigation.
Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa said as government has handed over the investigation to CID, it won't be right to discuss the case in the Assembly as it may affect investigation.
In response to this, BJP members pointed out that several cases pending before CID had been discussed earlier as it is not a commission, and the issue should be taken up.
Also, questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's silence on the issue, they alleged that CID investigation against the sitting Minister is to cover up the case.
As BJP members criticised the Chief Minister and his
claims of transparent government and alleged that the government was protecting the corrupt, war of words broke out between both the sides, following which Speaker adjourned the House for some time.
As the House resumed, the Speaker said he will allow discussion on the issue, but reply to the discussion on drought should be allowed first.
Not agreeing to this, BJP members demanded the issue of corruption should be discussed first and "government will have to take action against him".
Without accepting Opposition's demand, the Speaker asked government to give its reply to discussion on drought. As Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda rose to reply, BJP members entered the well of the House shouting slogans against the government.
As the Ministers reply went unheard amidst BJP's sloganeering, Speaker asked the Minister to submit a written reply to the House.
Amidst the din, government also managed to pass two bills Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) (Amendment) Bill, 2015.
