MLCs upset with Karnataka government’s failure to give answers

Bengaluru: MLCs, cutting across party lines, gave vent to their ire on Tuesday over the state government’s failure to answer their questions. The members pressed for action to be taken against errant officials who have failed to give answers to questions that were submitted 15 days prior to the commencement of the session.

Congress MLC Puttanna called on Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to exercise his powers and act against officials. “The Chair should not sit helplessly. Suspend a few officials using your powers,” Puttanna urged Horatti.

JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda sought to remind the House that as many as 153 questions had gone unanswered in the ongoing session. “Leave alone unanswered questions pending from the Winter Session in Belagavi, and those from earlier sessions, officials are not giving answers to questions raised in the ongoing session,” he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy asked, “Are the ministers concerned so helpless?”

Horatti directed the Floor Leader to submit a list of unanswered questions, along with the name of the corresponding official who had failed to provide the answer. “I don’t want to be called inefficient for lapses by officials. I will use my discretionary powers, and take action if answers are not provided by Wednesday. I have also written to the CM about this,” said Horatti. Floor Leader and Minister N S Boseraju assured the House that the issue had been brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary.