JOIN USFragrance of jasmine pervaded the corridors of the Legislative Assembly secretariat and the magnificent Assembly hall on Monday. Flowers of myriad colours adorned the intrinsically carved doors and walls.
Festive fervour filled the air during the two-and-half-hour programme with women staff of the secretariat draped in silk sarees and bedecked in jewellery, welcoming the guests by offering red roses.
The five nonagenarians, who were the members of the first Assembly, were the star attraction. Several legislators went up to them, touched their feet seeking their blessings. While one of them is 103, others are in their 90s. Despite their age-related health complications they made it to the programme.
The photo exhibition organised by the Information department showcased Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and Suvarna Soudha in Belgaum in their various stages of construction.
Souvenir released
The Assembly secretariat has released a souvenir – Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1952-2012).
The souvenir contains articles by former Speakers M V Venkatappa, B G Banakar and others, along with a compilation of photographs and trivia about the Karnataka legislature, making it a collector’s item.
A low key affair
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, which decided to keep the celebration a low key affair as several districts in the State are drought-affected, spent about Rs 25 lakh on the event, sources said.
Besides, the preparations began just two weeks ago.
While the Information department was in charge of the publicity and photo exhibition, Department of Kannada and Culture organised the music programme by Sangeeta Kulkarni.
MSIL sponsored the mementos presented to the five former legislators, while Priyadarshini Handlooms gifted a bedspread, two pillow covers and six napkins to all the 300 legislators. Cauvery Emporium gifted visiting card-holder box with Bidari work, while MS&DL distributed soaps.
However, several legislators were absent, probably because they were not paid their customary travelling and dwelling allowances to attend the celebrations. The Banquet Hall, with limited seating arrangement, was overcrowded with too many VIPs during the lunch. The menu included staple food of North Karnataka - jowar rotis with brinjal curry, besides poori, saagu, chapati, pulav, rice sambar, carrot halwa and ice-cream.
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Corporate Affairs Veerappa Moily, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, MP and former Speaker D B Chandre Gowda, Speaker Bopaiah sat at the same table.
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and H D Kumaraswamy who attended the celebrations skipped the lunch. The crowd gatecrashed at the lawns where food for the secretariat staff was arranged.
Leaderspeak
The Speaker shouldn’t succumb to the pressures of anybody including the chief minister. Legislators shouldn’t disrespect the House. They should not accumulate illegal wealth. Many legislators are ill-prepared because they don’t bother to visit the legislature library.
D B Chandre Gowda,
former Speaker
There was consensus among the members of the Ethics Committee to invite former CJI M N Venkatachalaiah, the ‘saintly judge’ to give the keynote address. It was felt that Venkatachalaiah would be the best person to guide the legislators of the day. He is a living, moving encyclopedia with rich experience.
Suresh Kumar,
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Justice Venkatachalaiah’s message to the elected representatives on gaining the confidence of the people should be emulated by all of us. The celebrations should have been a full day event like the way the Parliament did.
H D Kumaraswamy,
former chief minister
None of the present day politicians follow the rules of procedure or the Constitution. They have made a mockery of it. The elected representatives have no morality. The Assembly hall and the rules remain the same. Unfortunately, the people have changed.
Madappa U M,
Represented Yadigala constituency in Chamarajanagar for two terms – 1952 & 1957