JD(S) MLA Gopalaiah's pardon plea faces a hitch

The JD(S) may not be able to easily pardon its Mahalakshmi Layout MLA K Gopalaiah, who on Friday submitted an apology letter to the party’s disciplinary action committee for cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha polls last year.

The JD(S) had filed a petition before the Legislative Assembly Speaker seeking disqualification of Gopalaiah and seven other MLAs for defying the party whip and cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections last June. Speaker K B Koliwad is hearing the case.

On Friday, Gopalaiah went to the JD(S) party office in Bengaluru and submitted an “apology letter” stating that he regretted that he had cross voted and that he be pardoned. “I have clarified my stand and also submitted an apology letter. I want to remain with the JD(S). My supporters also want me to stay with the JD(S). I regret what I have done and will not repeat it,” Gopalaiah told reporters.

However, Koliwad said the proceedings against Gopalaiah and seven other MLAs will continue. “Just because he (Gopalaiah) has submitted an apology letter, the proceedings cannot be stopped. The proceedings can be withdrawn only if the petitioner withdraws the complaint in its entirety. Gopalaiah’s name alone cannot be withdrawn from the petition,” Koliwad said.