A verbal duel ensued between Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa after the former declined permission to move an adjournment motion in the Assembly on Monday.
Yeddyurappa, who was staging a dharna in the well of the House, wanted to move the adjournment motion over extending the Bidai scheme to all communities and restoring all facilities to Above Poverty Line cardholders. But the Speaker did not permit Yeddyurappa stating that the letter to move the adjournment motion was received at 10.30 am. An angry Yeddyurappa tore the papers and rushed to the well questioning the Speaker’s order. Thimmappa tried to convince the KJP leader, but in vain.
The Speaker said: “Being a former CM you cannot behave in this manner. You cannot dictate and threaten me.” Yeddyurappa retorted: “I am not a newly-elected member and am aware of the rules and regulations.”
Thimmappa, who was visibly upset over Yeddyurappa’s sudden outburst, said: “Even I am not a newly-elected member and I know how to conduct the proceedings.”
The members, who were shocked to see both Thimmappa and Yeddyurappa engaged in a verbal duel, tried to pacify them.
Basavaraja Rayareddy of the Congress contended that Yeddyurappa has insulted the Chair by tearing the written replies.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra clarified that Yeddyurappa had requested his adjournment motion only after the calling attention motion and adjournment motion letters given by the BJP and JD(S) respectively. However, it was left to the discretion of the Chair to take up the adjournment motion given by Yeddyurappa.
The Speaker allowed Yeddyurappa to make a preliminary submission provided his party members leave the well of the House.
Yeddyurappa said his intention was never to insult the Speaker but only to make a submission.
Dharna
Earlier, Opposition members trooped to the well of the House seeking permission to raise the issue of sugar factories not agreeing to give minimum support price of Rs 2,500 per tonne of cane fixed by the government.
They pointed out that farmers had blocked major roads in Belgaum and were not allowing elected representatives to come to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The dharna was called off after the Speaker agreed to give permission for a detailed discussion on the issue.