Opposition BJP and JD(S) today staged a protest in the well of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, demanding that the Chair table the House committee report on the alleged irregularities in the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project.
They demanded that the report be tabled during the session that is scheduled to end on December 3, expressing apprehensions that Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise, the implementing agency of BMIC project, was planning to get stay on the tabling of the report from the courts.
BJP, citing media reports, alleged that a couple of "powerful" Ministers were against tabling of the report as it was against their interest.
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The committee headed by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra that was formed to look into alleged violations, had submitted the report to Speaker K B Koliwad last week.
There were allegations of violations of the framework agreement by NICE, and the committee has reportedly recommended CBI or ED investigation into the case.
Opposition BJP Leader Jagadish Shettar, who raised the issue, said there should not be any delay in the tabling of the report as the company was planning a stay on it.
This demand was supported by members of the House committee from all parties, including ruling Congress.
JD(S)'s Shivalinge Gowda, requesting the Speaker not to delay tabling of the report, said it was a "good" report and was finalised by the committee members with unanimity.
While some MLAs pointed out the suffering faced by the farmers over the years because of this project, R Ashoka (BJP) said the irregularities were over Rs 30,000 crore and there are media reports that few "powerful" ministers were pressurising against its tabling in the House.
In his response, the Speaker citing from the rule book said before signing any report, he would want to understand its content and will require some time for it.
As some members raised objection to it stating the
report was submitted seven days ago and it cannot be delayed for long, the Speaker said, "I will call the Law Minister today and discuss with him and after satisfying will take further steps."
Continuing their objection, BJP and JD(S) wanted an assurance from the Speaker that the report will tabled before the end of the session and walked into the well of the House.
Intervening, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said government had no objections to the tabling of the report and opposition should withdraw from the well, as the Speaker has assured he would discuss the matter with Law Minister.
As the protest continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
On resumption, the Speaker said he held a meeting with the Law Minister and has ordered printing of the report.
Law Minister Jayachandra said the House committee report would be tabled in a couple of days, as time is required for the printing of the voluminous report.
After the assurance from the Speaker and government, opposition parties withdrew the protest.
