From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 30: Poor attendance of the newly elected MLCs, who are yet to participate in the debate in the Upper House, in a training camp on parliamentary debates and procedure organised by the State Government irked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah expressed his displeasure at the absence and late coming of the newly elected MLCs for the camp organised for them in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The Chief Minister, who arrived on time to inaugurate the training camp, was disappointed as very few members had turned up for the programme.

“I have to face criticism often for coming late. But it is sad that the members for whom the training camp has been organised themselves have not turned up when I have come on time," he said.

He said as Chief Minister he has to meet delegations, members of public and even MPs and Legislators besides take briefings on important subjects, which takes lot of time. In fact, he said he is compelled to attend many programmes against his wish.

"But what about the newly elected MLCs? What other pressing work they have, especially when the State Government is organising a special training for them," he asked.

Siddaramaiah, who personally counted the number of MLCs present, expressed his dismay at the attitude of the newly elected MLCs.

Only Rizwan Arshad, Veena Achaiah, AllamVeerabhadrappa, M Narayanaswamy, all MLCs, were present as the Chief Minister inaugurated the programme.

The number of legislators slowly increased as the members arrived late.

The Chief Minister, in his inaugural address,appealed to members to come to the House well prepared to participate in the debates and make meaningful contribution in serving the people.

Even though the camp was meant for newly elected MLCs, senior ministers D K Shivakumar and H S Mahadevaprasad drew the attention through their keen participation.