As many as 18 Bills were passed on the last day of the legislature session in two hours without any discussion and in the absence of the opposition parties.
Both the Opposition parties - Congress and JD(S) - boycotted the proceedings after their demand for extending the session by a day was turned down by Speaker K G Bopaiah. The Opposition wanted a detailed discussion on CAG report on the BDA affairs, illegal mining and issues pertaining to North Karnataka region.
“Several issues, including the CAG reports that unearthed large-scale irregularities in the BDA and mining sector need to be discussed. The Dr Nanjundappa Committee, Upper Krishna Projects and other issues need to be debated. The session must be extended otherwise the very purpose of holding it in Belgaum will be defeated,” said Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah.
However, the Speaker stated that it would be difficult for the district administration to make arrangements for one more day and took up the Bills for passage.The request for holding a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meet by Siddaramaiah was also rejected. The Congress boycotted the day’s proceedings and the JD(S) also followed suit, accusing the government of trying to pass the anti-cow slaughter Bill by sending the Opposition out.
Later, the House passed 18 Bills through a voice vote before it was adjourned sine-die.
Siddaramaiah and JD(S) floor leader Revanna told reporters that they would petition Governor H R Bhardwaj against the state government for passing the Bill in their absence and ask him not to give his assent.
Revanna said that his party would approach the President if necessary to stop the implementation of the cow slaughter Bill.
Accusing the government of bulldozing the opposition in getting approval for various Bills, Congress leader S R Patil said: “We will rescind all these legislations if we come to power in the next Assembly elections.”
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