BJP, Cong continue sparing over Governor

Eshwarappa refuses to apologise; Siddu calls ruling party members useless fellows

Tempers ran high as the BJP continued to endorse its stand that the government had
followed procedures as per rules for the appointment of the Lokayukta and the ball was now in the court of the Governor.

Eshwarappa refused to withdraw his remarks against the Governor which he made on Wednesday. He also stated that he was only speaking about the person occupying the post and not against the institution as such for which, he claimed, he has respect.

‘Reprimand Guv’

Eshwarappa had said that the Governor should be summoned to the House and reprimanded for his refusal to appoint the government’s choice as the State’s new Lokayukta. He had also found fault with the Governor for not giving assent to the anti-cow slaughter bill and the Sakrama bill.

Speaker K G Bopaiah had to adjourn the House for more than an hour as heated verbal exchanges between the BJP and the Congress members created ruckus. The day also witnessed the BJP members holding a strategy meeting where it was decided to take the Opposition head on.

As soon as the House assembled in the morning, Congress members continued their dharna in the well of the Assembly in support of their demand that Eshwarappa should tender an unconditional apology for the remarks made against the Governor.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah said Eshwarappa had insulted the Constitution by casting aspersions on the Governor, and saying that the Governor was not functioning within the Constitutional framework. When sloganeering increased on both sides, Minister Basavaraj Bommai intervened seeking to clarify something. Enraged, Siddaramaiah said, “This is a useless government. You are misleading the people... Useless fellows.”

Soon, pandemonium broke loose which led to the adjournment of the House again. During the break, the BJP members held a meeting at the conference hall, where it was decided not to heed the Opposition’s demand. Bommai also took exception to the remarks made by Siddaramaiah.

By this time, the Congress had changed its strategy. The party took a stand that the government was deliberately instigating the Opposition as it did not want the House to function. After the House reassembled post-lunch, it took up the scheduled business.

I will okay a candidate with high morality, says Bhardwaj

Governor H R Bhardwaj said he would give his approval to the appointment of the Lokayukta only when the State government proposes the name of a non-tainted, clean candidate for the post, reports DHNS from Mysore.

Speaking to reporters at the Government House on Thursday, he said there were more than a dozen present and past ministers in the BJP government against whom cases of corruption and irregularities were pending with the Lokayukta. “Only a candidate with high morality can handle the external pressures on the Lokayukta office. Hence, I will give my consent to a candidate who fufils this criteria in all respects,” he said.

When asked about the comments made by BJP president K S Eshwarappa in the Assembly, he said he was part of the legislature and it was the responsibility of the Speaker to act on the issue. “I am doing my duty in accordance with the law. I will not bow to any such criticism and will continue to function as per the Constitutional guidelines,” Bhardwaj said.

Asked about former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s demand for his resignation, Bhardwaj said: “There are more than 13 cases against Yeddyurappa in the court. I will not react to such people’s statements.”