Dharna over circular

After a prolonged debate, the day ended in a deadlock with the entire Opposition staging a dharna in the well of the House demanding that the circular be withdrawn with immediate effect and the government refusing to budge. Speaker Jagadish Shettar had to adjourn the House twice during the day over the issue.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah termed the circular as “unconstitutional” and urged the Speaker to intervene and protect the interest of the Opposition.

He said the government was trying to curtail the Opposition’s powers and rights. Also, the move amounted to breach of privilege, he charged.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar said the circular was only a clarification, demarking the role of ministers and that of Opposition leaders. Similar circulars had been issued in the past.