DK-KSE spat has House in tizzy

NT Correspondent\

Pandemonium prevailed in both Houses of the state Legislature on Wednesday over Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa’s recent statement on hoisting the saffron flag atop Red Fort in Delhi.

Normal business was thrown out of gear during the post-lunch session as Congress members trooped into the well of the House demanding that Eshwarappa be dropped from the Cabinet and a sedition case be booked against him for his statement that amounted to violation of the flag code.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah who moved an adjournment motion, claimed that the minister had insulted the flag code This would attract three years of imprisonment and penalty. It was surprising that the CM had been silent on this issue and given a clean chit saying the senior minister had not done anything wrong, he said.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister J.C.Madhuswamy said the adjournment motion moved by the Congress was not valid and read out certain sections from the Rule Book.

When Kageri sought to hear the statement of Eshwarappa, Kanakapura MLA D.K.Shivakumar reportedly made derogatory remarks against the RDPR Minister who replied in the same manner.

Taking strong objection, Shivakumar moved menacingly towards the front row in which Eshwarappa was seated.

Other Congress members also joined the PCC President. At this point, both Eshwarappa and Shivakumar reportedly abused each other. Ruling BJP and opposition Congress members intervened and prevented what could have been a possible physical fight.

Sensing the mood, the Speaker adjourned the House.