Protesting the continued absence of ministers from the House, the Opposition Congress and the JD(S) in the Legislative Council boycotted the day’s proceedings on Tuesday.
As soon the House re-assembled after the lunch break, the Congress and the JD(S) members stoutly protested as only one among the 14 designated ministers was present.
Raising the issue, opposition Congress leader S R Patil accused the government of taking the House lightly and showing disrespect to it.
“Not only were the ministers who were designated to be present absent, but the House leader and Chief Whip were not to be seen,” he said.
Appealing to Chairman D H Shankaramurthy to take serious note of the government’s attitude, the Opposition members announced boycott of the proceedings and trooped out raising slogans.
Reacting to the protest, Shankaramurthy said that he had instructed the House leader to ensure the presence of the designated ministers.
“I am helpless,” he said and adjourned the House for 15 minutes and invited the Opposition members for consultation to resolve the issue.
Later Patil told reporters that the absence of ministers is nothing but disrespect to the Upper House.
The Opposition members also refused to meet Shankaramurthy to discuss the issue and left the lounge.