JOIN USRevanna alleges Yeddyurappa's involvement in coal scam
Eventually nearly three hours were spent on the same issue leading to two adjournments and the Speaker expunging some of the remarks made by Revanna.
As soon as the House met this morning, Revanna tried to make a preliminary submission on an adjournment motion sought to be moved against the government for the alleged irregularities in the coal purchase. He also said that crores of rupees have been lost to the exchequer in the purchase deal. He also made certain comments against the CM.
Cutting him short, Speaker Jagadish Shettar said that he would allow the matter to be raised once the CM comes to the House around 4 pm. He also said that he would allow the issue to be raised under Rule 69.
But Revanna insisted that he should be allowed make a preliminary submission. However, the Speaker maintained that Revanna could do it in the presence of the CM and also said that he was convinced about the significance of the matter and hence he would allow a debate. Then the JD (S) leaders led by Revanna trooped to the well of the House to stage a dharna.
Ministers R Ashok and Bommai repeatedly said that Revanna should withdraw his protest as the Speaker has already given his ruling. When the arguments between the ruling and the combined Opposition continued for sometime, the Speaker adjourned the House for sometime.
When the House reassembled, the Speaker asked Revanna to read out the notice he had submitted regarding the scam. Revanna said KPCL had made illegal purchase of coal from Bhatia company, Chennai, and MMTC company, Delhi. While doing so, he again repeated his comments against the CM. Immediately the BJP members were on their feet.
Intervening, Shettar told Revanna: “You have not mentioned anyone’s name in your notice. You had agreed to just read out the notice. But you are making allegations against the CM again. I will expunge all your remarks.”
Further the Speaker fumed at Revanna by saying, “You do not want the subject to be debated. You are not interested in the House debating drought issue. You are making irresponsible statements. This will not bring respect to you.”
Again the JD (S) leaders continued their dharna which made the Speaker adjourn the House for lunch. When the House reassembled, the dharna continued but was later withdrawn with the chair announcing that he will allow the debate on Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, Revanna had alleged that the State had lost Rs 150 crore by ‘directing’ officials to purchase coal for Raichur thermal power stations at more than the market rates. More than the required quantum too was purchased, he alleged.
The CM on Tuesday had ordered a probe by a retired HC judge into the purchases made by the KPCL from 2002 till now.
DH News Service