Congress MLAs 'unhappy' over conduct of ministers

The ruling party legislators are learnt to have again complained to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against some of his ministerial colleagues for their “lax attitude” in responding to people's problems.

At the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on Thursday, several MLAs took serious exception to the way ministers have been functioning.

The legislators are said to be unhappy with ministers for PWD, Revenue, Excise and Minorities Development.

The legislators reportedly alleged that the ministers even do not receive their (MLAs’) phone calls while the officers heading the department say they cannot take any decision without the consent of the minister.

Many district in-charge ministers hardly visit their respective districts and whenever they come, they do not interact with the legislators, the MLAs are learnt to have complained. The legislators’ complaining against the ministers has become common in all legislature party meetings.

Though the chief minister has been assuring of taking steps, nothing has been done. And on Thursday, Siddaramaiah did not even give the customary assurance, much to the chagrin of legislators.

Thin attendance

With several legislators reportedly disappointed about the outcome of CLP meetings in the past, hardly about 50 legislators are said to have attended Thursday’s meeting chaired by Siddaramaiah.

“None of the ministers is following the directions issued by the chief minister. Hence, there is no point in attending the meeting,” a senior MLA said on condition of anonymity. This apart, the legislators made Siddaramaiah wait for them for nearly half an hour at the meeting.

CM waits for legislators

The chief minister arrived at the meeting convened at Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha at 9.15 am. But not many legislators had come. As a result, he waited till 9.45 am to start the meeting.