Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jul 30: JDS floor leader in the assembly, H D Revanna, who tried to floor the government on the issue of the number plates scandal, had to eat a humble pie after a protracted battle of allegations and counter-allegations, as the government firmly said that whatever has been done on the issue, was handled by the previous Congress and JDS governments.

The BJP members were angry over the insinuating remarks made by Revanna, who questioned as to whether the BJP ministers feel ashamed for what they have done and asked them why the tender had not been cancelled. He asked them not to tell lies in the assembly.

In his reply, transport minister Ashok said that whatever decisions were taken on the issue were by the previous governments and that the issue has not at all come up for consideration before the present cabinet. He said the file had been verified by the then minister Mallikarjun Kharge of the
Congress and then, by his successor, Cheluvarayaswami of the JDS. Last noting on the file was by Cheluvaraya Swami on October 6, 2007, he informed.

"When the file went to the governor for his orders, he returned it, saying that a decision has to be taken by the next government. The issue went to court, where it opined that the appellate authority headed by the chief secretary should take a decision. The issue is pending with the appellate authority, he explained.

He said, the West Bengal has not taken a final decision on the issue, as the case is in the court there. The agreement entered into between the bidder and transport commissioner is pending before the appellate tribunal for hearing. Ashok offered to lay before the speaker all the files pertaining to the issue, so that the Chief Minister, leaders of the opposition including Revanna could verify the facts for themselves. He also said he was prepared to face action is he is found guilty in the issue.

After the BJP members demanded an unconditional apology from Revanna for passing sweeping remarks without verifying facts, Revanna walked out along with other legislators of his party, realizing that tables had been turned against him by the government.