Daijiworld Media Network-Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Feb 28: Legislative Assembly speaker Kagodu Thimmappa on Saturday urged the legislators to indulge in meaningful discussion of important issues instead of wasting time by indulging in unnecessary debates like the chief minister Siddaramaih’s wristwatch controversy.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Thimmappa said Assembly sessions are held to discuss important problems and find solutions for the same. Hence watch controversy type of issues should not be raised and time wasted. He appealed to the legislators to focus on issues like drought and drinking water problems prevailing in several districts of the state.

Kagodu also asked the legislators to be present during the session. He stressed on compulsory attendance by them. He said he was not happy with sessions in 2015 when they failed to complete 60 days. “I hope that this year we will complete at least 60 days." Kagodu said.

"We are here to serve people. We should debate issues which are useful to people and then the government should act accordingly. I have tried my best to hold the proceedings to the best of my ability. Still I am not happy about it. Government has its own plans. I am an optimistic person. I want the present session to be meaningful," Kagodu added.

The session will be held between February 29 and March 5. On the first day the governor will address the joint session of both Houses.

Kagodu revealed that four pending bills will be introduced in the session. JD(S) MLA K Gopalaiah will table a private member’s bill on the revival of HMT factory under ‘Make in India’ scheme. As many as 818 questions and 30 notices under Rule 351 have been received.