Karnataka Legislative Council in Turmoil Over Absent Ministers

Karnataka Legislative Council faced disruptions as Chairman Basavaraj Horatti adjourned proceedings due to the absence of ruling party members after lunch. Opposition criticized the Congress, while the Chief Whip assured members would return. The chaos comes after similar incidents in the Assembly, posing challenges for the Congress government.

The Karnataka Legislative Council experienced a brief adjournment on Tuesday when Chairman Basavaraj Horatti expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of Ministers and ruling party members post lunch. This disruption follows a similar incident in the Assembly, signaling a challenging phase for the Congress government.

Leader of Opposition, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, highlighted the empty treasury benches, suggesting a boycott by ruling members. Only two officials, Minister of School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, and Chief Whip, Saleem Ahmed, were present. This shortage forced Horatti to question the capability to proceed with the session.

Opposition Chief Whip, N Ravikumar, criticized the absent Ministers, while the BJP indicated their willingness to continue if Treasury members reciprocated with cooperation. The Chief Whip assured that more members would arrive shortly. Meanwhile, Congress MLC Ramesh Babu dismissed concerns by attributing the delay to lunch recess.

(With inputs from agencies.)