After briefcase, bday cake lands Assembly Secy in soup

After a row over briefcases for MLAs, Legislative Assembly secretary S Murthy has courted another controversy when a video showing him cutting his birthday cake in the Assembly lounge went viral.

Following widespread condemnation, Murthy on Friday apologised for the act and admitted that it was against the rules. MLC Tara Anuradha was also seen in the video that was aired by many news channels.

“It was my birthday on July 17 and I came to work like any other day. The ‘D’ group employees in my section wished me and repeatedly requested me to join them for a cake-cutting event. I obliged even after telling them that it was now allowed. I apologise to the people of the state,” Murthy told reporters.

However, he clarified that there was no ‘party’ and there were no outsiders involved as was alleged. “There’s no entry for outsiders. I cut the cake as a mere gesture towards the love they showed for me. The lounge can be used only to serve lunch. I will make sure this does not happen again,” he said.

Last week, Murthy’s office was accused of procuring expensive briefcases for newly-elected legislators. After Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar stalled it, Murthy said the briefcases would be returned and that no payment had been made for them, dismissing allegations of irregularities.