Speaker suspends 2 over RTI blunder

Revannas charges of rent allowance will be proved false, says Bopaiah

Deputy Secretary H S Jagannath and case worker H L Buddha were suspended for furnishing wrong information under RTI on salary and allowances drawn by the Speaker. They had furnished information under RTI that Bopaiah had drawn the salary of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s posts in November and December 2009, which has been found wrong.

According to sources, the deputy secretary has given in writing to the Speaker that the information he furnished to Revanna was incorrect.

Probe

Bopaiah also ordered an internal inquiry into the charges levelled by the JD(S) leader.
“I have directed the Legislature Principal Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the issue. The probe will reveal the truth. No doubt, the probe will prove that all charges made against me are false and baseless,” he said.

Revanna had alleged that Bopaiah had illegally drawn the salary of both the Deputy Speaker and the Speaker in November and December 2009.

He also alleged that Bopaiah was availing Rs 20,000 monthly house rent allowance despite occupying two VIP rooms at the Legislators’ Home. The JD(S) leader had obtained the information through the Right to Information Act.

Bopaiah, who was the Deputy Speaker, became the Speaker on November 17, 2009, after Jagadish Shettar quit the post to become a Minister.

As per the another set of documents released to the media by BJP Spokesperson C T Ravi defending the Speaker on the issue, Bopaiah has not drawn his salary and allowance for 13 days - from November 17 to 30.

“Revanna’s allegations are baseless and false. We have all the documents to prove it. Revanna must resign as MLA if he fails to prove his charges. Bopaiah is ready to quit if charges against him are proved,” Ravi stated.

On the allegation of house rent allowance, the BJP leader argued that HRA is part of the salary.  

All Speakers in the past have taken HRA while occupying rooms in LH.  Moreover, LH rooms are not official quarters to which Bopaiah is entitled, he added.