The issue of alleged suicide by a Deputy Superintendent of Police continued to rock the Karnataka Assembly for the sixth day today, with the Opposition sticking to its demand for minister K J George's ouster and a CBI probe.
As the House met for the day, BJP members entered thewell and started shouting slogans against the government for "protecting" George. They were later joined by JD(S) members.
Leader of theOpposition Jagadish Shettar (BJP) demanded George'sremoval, saying "government is being adamant, why they are protecting him? This government is a murderer".
The body of Managluru DySP M K Ganapathy (51) was found hangingfrom the ceiling fan in a room at a lodge in Madikeri on July7. Before taking the extreme step, he had told a local TV channel that the minister and IG, Intelligence, A M Prasad andIGP, Lokayukta, Pranab Mohanty would be responsible ifanything happened to him.
As Speaker K B Koliwad stared conducting the proceedings amidst sloganeering, he directed Chief Minister Siddaramaih to table Supplementary Estimates report.
The estimate was tabled despite opposition fromShettar, who said business of the House should not be conductedwhen it was not in order.
Alleging that the government was trying to conclude the session before scheduled date ofJuly 29,BJP and JD(S) members questioned why it was in a hurry to table bills and reports today itself.
Shettar said, "We are ready to discuss on demands, but first our demand for George's resignation should be fulfilled...To protect one man (George), the government istrying to conclude the session. Why is government adamant onthis issue?"
The Speaker requested opposition to cooperate in conducting the proceedings but as the protest continued, he adjourned the House after a few committee reports were tabled.
When the House resumed, even as the protest continued, Koliwad asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to make his statement on demands.
Opposing this, Shettar said "House cannot function like this."
Hitting back, Siddaramaiah said: "The Opposition is not interested in discussion, they are interested only in politics and publicity. They are not interested in joining hands for thebetterment of the state. It is clear from their behaviour."
Retorting, Shettar said the government's only agenda was protecting George.
JD(S) leader Datta said for one minister, the whole session was being put on hold. "This is not right, government has become irresponsible."
As the protest continued demands, Appropriation Bills and Karnataka Urban Development Authorities (Amendment) Bill were tabled and passed in the din without any discussion. The Speaker then adjourned the House for lunch.
