Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 2: In a curious development, it has been found that Siddaramaiah was a minister and Ugrappa was a leader of the JDS, when their own leader and Chief Minister H D Deve Gowda issued a circular on March 10, 1995, stating than the government employees need not accompany the opposition leaders, even though they enjoy the facilities of a cabinet ministers, during their trips. The question as to whether Siddaramaiah and Ugrappa have forgotten about it, is a pertinent question that only these two can answer.

In the year 1995, B S Yeddyurappa was the opposition leader in the assembly. After a dispute arose over the height of Almatti dam, Yeddyurappa wanted to personally visit the spot. For this, he sent a memo, seeking the presence of the government officials during his visit. At that time, the then government issued a circular, saying that the government officials need not accompany the opposition leaders during their visits. However, it clarified that the officials will have to extend full cooperation if the house committees of the legislatures go on a visit.

At that time, H K Patil from the Congress Party was the opposition leader in the legislative council. Apparently, he did not raise any objections to the circular.  Under secretary in the department of parliamentary affairs and personnel and administrative reforms, H Krishnamurty, had signed this circular. Even though Siddaramaiah was then a minister in Gowda's cabinet and therefore, was a party to the circular, does not seem to be aware of it now. V S Ugrappa too was a part of the Janatadal regime then. Both the leaders are on a war path with the present BJP government over the issue of restraining government officials from attending the meetings convened by them! Surprisingly, the JDS, whose supremo Deve Gowda was in the saddle when this circular was issued, is supporting the demand of these two leaders!