Govt breathes easy as JD(S) goes soft on rape issue

The JD(S) stand not to go aggressive on the issue of increasing cases of rape, appears to have provided a breather to the Siddaramaiah government that has come under severe criticism from various quarters, especially the principal Opposition, BJP.

Though the JD(S) had demanded that a discussion should be allowed on the issue in both Houses of the legislature, the party did not resort to staging protest against the government.

So much so that the party meekly accepted the decision taken by the ruling party not to allow adjournment motion sought to be moved on the issue on Friday and later took part in the day’s proceedings.

On the other hand, the BJP had so far been aggressive and protesting wearing black badges in the legislature on Friday.

The principal Opposition party, that had been demanding the resignation of Home Minister K J George, staged a walk out and later protested near Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue in Vidhana Soudha.

Sources in the ruling party said the government has been planning to make the best use of the stand taken by the JD(S) to run the session.

The coming days in the legislature are crucial for the government as it has to get the approval for the full budget before this month end. In case the BJP takes a tough stand and disrupts the proceedings, both the lower and the upper houses will be run with the help of the JD(S), sources added.

When contacted, JD(S) leader Y S V Datta defended his party’s stand saying the intention has been to make the government act.

“The JD(S) wants to make use of the legislature to discuss the problem and find solutions. By holding discussion, we want to force the government to act. Simply staging protests and walkouts will not help find a solution,” he added.

On Monday, the JD(S) will demand the government to take up discussion on the Home department in the Assembly on priority so that a thorough discussion can be held on the law and order situation, including cases of rape, in the State.