Synopsis
Karnataka BJP and JD (S) MLAs halted Legislative Assembly proceedings, protesting Congress's appointment of party workers to the Guarantees Implementation Committee, alleging misuse of taxpayer funds. Protests are set to continue as leaders criticize the expenditure of Rs 15-20 crore on salaries and perks.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP and JD (S) legislators protested in the Assembly.
- Concerns over Congress party workers' appointments were raised.
- Protests centered around alleged misuse of taxpayer funds.
- Dispute over the legitimacy of the Guarantees Implementation Committee.
- Opposition vows to continue protests against the Congress government.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) Legislators from the Karnataka BJP and JD (S) disrupted the Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday, criticizing the Congress government's choice to appoint Congress workers as officials in the Guarantees Implementation Committee and the allocation of Rs 15 to Rs 20 crore for their salaries and benefits.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka later declared that protests would continue both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly starting Wednesday.
Following a heated exchange, BJP MLAs gathered in the Well of the House, chanting slogans against the Congress government. Speaker U.T. Khader initially suspended proceedings. When the session resumed, BJP and JD (S) MLAs, led by R. Ashoka, escalated their protests, accusing the Congress government of misappropriating public funds for the benefit of Congress workers.
Even after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar mentioned that the matter would be discussed in a cabinet meeting, BJP MLAs remained unyielding. Consequently, Speaker Khader adjourned the House for the day.
JD (S) MLA M.T. Krishnappa, representing the Turuvekere constituency, raised concerns in the Assembly about appointing Congress workers as office bearers of the Guarantees Implementation Committee, sidelining elected MLAs. He argued that since MLAs and officials are already managing program implementation, the Congress government was unnecessarily squandering state funds on party personnel.
BJP General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar claimed that the Congress government had no authority to distribute taxpayer money to Congress workers. He asserted that no previous ruling party had appointed its workers and compensated them to oversee government initiatives, labeling the action as illegal.
R. Ashoka criticized Deputy CM Shivakumar for failing to distinguish between the government and the party as state president of the Congress party. He questioned, “How can taxpayer money be given to Congress workers? If you want to pay them, go ask for alms on the streets. These Congress workers have been given cabinet ranks, official residences, and offices,” he alleged.
In defense, Shivakumar stated, “This action reflects the will of the government. The party workers who were instrumental in bringing this government to power have every right to oversee its programs.”
Ashoka countered by asking if BJP workers could be assigned to supervise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives.
BJP MLA Satish Reddy noted that a similar approach was attempted in Andhra Pradesh by the YSR Congress and ultimately failed.
MLA Krishnappa insisted that MLAs should not be overlooked and demanded the dissolution of the committee.
Former Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra commented that politics should remain separate from such matters, stating, “The Congress workers appointed as office bearers of the committee are holding parallel meetings instead of collaborating with MLAs. Don’t you trust us? We are already on the payroll for this purpose. This is undemocratic,” he asserted.
Shivakumar replied that the BJP has consistently opposed the guarantees. “Our government is allocating Rs 52,000 to Rs 56,000 crore, which constitutes 20 percent of the budget, for the guarantee schemes. The BJP is also implementing guarantees in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh,” he noted.
BJP MLA Sunil Kumar clarified that the party does not oppose the guarantees but objects to the committee established to oversee their implementation. Ashoka challenged the government to review past records, asserting he had never criticized the guarantees.
Ashoka added that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently acknowledged that a discussion was needed regarding the guarantee schemes as they were becoming a burden on the government. Shivakumar countered, stating that as long as the Congress government remains in power, the guarantees will persist.
MLA Sunil Kumar affirmed that the BJP would not permit the Congress government to cease the guarantee schemes.
Ashoka concluded by stating that no government in the past 75 years has made such a detrimental decision. Shivakumar, however, argued that it was a constructive move.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha after the session, Ashoka accused the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of misusing taxpayer funds. He claimed that the money is being funneled into the pockets of Congress workers.
“In every Assembly constituency, Congress leaders are being appointed with salaries of Rs 25,000 plus personal assistants. A sitting fee of Rs 1,100 has been established. The state president is receiving Rs 40,000, while the vice president gets Rs 25,000. Annually, Rs 15-20 crore is being embezzled and distributed among Congress workers,” he alleged.
He emphasized that government funds should benefit the underprivileged. “Cooks in Anganwadis receive an honorarium of Rs 3,000, ASHA workers earn Rs 7,000, and guest lecturers are compensated Rs 12,000. This money could be better allocated to universities or used to increase payments for Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers. The BJP firmly opposes the Congress government's decision to distribute funds to its party workers,” he stated.
