Karnataka Council adjourns sine die

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Legislative Council on Thursday adjourned the House sine die, a day ahead of schedule, as the deadlock between the Opposition and Treasury Bench continued for the second day over the porn scandal involving three former BJP ministers.When the Council began on Thursday morning, the Opposition leaders sought to move an adjournment motion demanding a debate on the porn-gate that had rocked the Assembly on Tuesday. The ruling party, which appeared to be determined not to allow any kind of discussion fearing more embarrassment, opposed it stating that rules do not permit any kind of debate. While seeking to move the motion, Opposition Leader C Motamma argued: “The issue has attracted worldwide attention, even many foreign newspapers have carried it. The dignity of the House and people is at stake. So, we need to debate and punish the erring members so that such incidents do not occur in future.” Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda objected to the Opposition’s demand and appealed to the chairman not to allow the adjournment motion. “Rules do not allow for discussion on the issue in the Council. Despite this, I had given an elaborate reply on Wednesday. The Opposition is trying to take advantage of the situation,” he said.Chairman D H Shankarmurthy, however, said that he would consider the request of the Opposition after Question Hour. But the unrelenting Opposition trooped into the well shouting slogans against the government and demanded the disqualification of the erring MLAs, besides an apology from the government.The ensuing chaos forced the Chairman to adjourn the House for half an hour.  But when it re-assembled, the Opposition members continued their dharna. In the melee, CM Gowda made a thanksgiving speech on the Governor’s address on January 30.