Taking part in a debate on ‘Role of Legislative Council under President’s Rule’, organised by Karnataka Legislative Council, more than 30 members present in the seminar said since the Council was a constitutional body, the President’s rule could not come in the way of its functioning.

Raising the issue, Basavaraj Horatti (JDS) felt the Council need not take permission from any authority to hold deliberations by its committees. “It is our right. We need not ask anybody to exercise our right. The chairman should take up the issue and start issuing the notices in this regard,” he asserted.

Adverse comments
Joining the issue, leader of Opposition H K Patil said, “Let us go ahead with our activities. There may be some adverse comments; let us face them. If the Finance Department does not release funds, let us visit places at our own cost and discharge our duties; nobody can stop us from functioning.”

Former Council Chairman V R Sudarshan suggested that Prof Chandrashekhar write to the Governor asking the latter to hold consultations with members on matters of public importance.

Reacting to members’ opinions, Prof Chandrashekhar said proclamation of President’s rule in the State did not affect the functioning of the council in any way. He said he would hold a meeting of all floor leaders of the council to gather their opinion on beginning the activities of the legislature committees.

Prof Chandrashekhar said he has already written to the Governor seeking time to meet the Council members on a regular basis. Later, Prof Chandrashekhar told reporters he had requested the Governor to take MLCs into confidence before preparing the State budget and also hold a special meeting in view of the Central railway budget.

“Members have many demands pertaining to railway projects of the State and a meeting will help in sending a proposal to Railway Ministry,” Prof Chandrashekhar added.