'Stop spl allowance to legislators'

Congress MLA Basavaraja Rayareddy on Monday said the special allowance of Rs 2,500 per day, given to legislators for attending the session in Belgaum, should be stopped.

Addressing reporters in Bangalore, he said the government has been giving the allowance, despite providing lunch free of cost at Suvarna Soudha.  “It is not a marriage party. We go there to discuss the problems of the people and find solutions. I hope all the legislators will agree with me and voluntarily stop taking the allowance,” he said.

The government should also stop serving lunch to legislators and officials during the session at Suvarna Soudha. The contractor who served food in the past had charged exorbitant rates. The issue has been brought to the notice of Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa. Steps should be taken to open a canteen where one can buy food, he added.

He said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured him that the winter session will be held in Belgaum from December 8 onwards.