Two BJP MLAs in controversy over mobile phone use in Karnataka Assembly

In an embarrassment to Opposition BJP, a party MLA was caught on camera purportedly watching a zoomed in photo of Priyanka Gandhi on his mobile phone and other playing video games during proceedings of the Legislative Assembly here.

During video clippings telecast on local TV channels, MLA Prabhu Chavan was also shown watching photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi along with Sonia Gandhi.

The Aurad legislator however courted controversy as he purportedly watched the zoomed in photo of Priyanka Gandhi.

Asked about his conduct, Chavan maintained he was flipping through pictures on mobile, including that of Modi.

When he came across a Priyanka Gandhi's picture, he zoomed into it to read the slogan below. There was nothing objectionable in his zooming in the picture, he said.
"No no there was a slogan below, I was watching it, I can show you. I was watching slogan below (the photo)."

"By mistake I took it (phone) inside. I agree it is my mistake, but I have seen nothing with bad intention. I was checking photos of national leaders, I checked Narendra Modi photo.... I also checked my son's photos....," Chavan told reporters here.

"....nothing of that sort, taking it (mobile) inside is a mistake and I agree it was my mistake...," he added.

Another BJP MLA U B Banakar was caught on camera playing online games on mobile phone oblivious of the discussion about the plight of sugarcane growers to whom sugar mill owners owe huge arrears.

The footage of both the MLAs seated separately was captured by a TV cameraman from the elevated media gallery and beamed by Kannada T V channels.

The incident involved the then Minister for Cooperation Laxman Savadi and Minister for Women and Child Development C C Patil with whom he shared it. The legislature is holding the 10-day winter session here.