Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Jul 14: Forest minister, Ramanath Rai, who had caused flutter in the assembly by showing aggressive behaviour during the debate on suicide by deputy superintendent of police, M K Ganapati, on Tuesday, caused tempers of legislative council chairman, D H Shankaramurthy, to be frayed by his aggressive behaviour on Wednesday July 13.
The chairman took the minister to task for repeatedly intervening in discussions and challenging the opposition members. He told him that being a minister, he is expected to be patient and responsible, adding that his behaviour cannot be tolerated. He warned that he would be compelled to name Rai if he continued with this kind of behaviour.
When Congress legislator, Rizwan Arshad, was speaking about DySP Ganapati's suicide, he mentioned prime minister, Modi's name. Deputy leader of the opposition, K B Shanappa, objected to it, saying that names of people's representatives, who are not present in the house, cannot be mentioned. Rai suddenly stood up and questioned Shanappa about past instances of raising name of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Shanappa said he was just giving a suggestion to Rizwan as he was speaking in the council for the first time. Rai continued his loud verbal tirade against the opposition members at which BJP members stood up and resisted.
When the situation looked like going out of control, council chairman pacified members by Ramanath Rai and Priyank Kharge continued their diatribe against the opposition. The chairman, getting angry at this behaviour, reminded that ministers should maintain sanctity of the house. "There is no custom of naming ministers in the house. But if you continue to behave this way, I will have to name you. Please do not allow this to happen," he cautioned Rai.
Although Priyank fell silent thereafter, Ramanath Rai continued to talk. The chairman asked him whether he can name him, reminding him that frequent interruptions are not welcome. Rai said that members are allowed to speak but not him. The chairman angrily said that ministers have added responsibility. He told Rai that before speaking one has to obtain permission from the chair. He therefore asked the minister to sit quiet, after which Rai cooled down.
Naming of a member results in his ouster from the house.