Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 6: The Congress legislators, who have served notice of no-confidence motion against Legislative Council Chairman, D H Shankaramurthy, plan to bring pressure on the chairman to provide for discussion on the motion after June 12, when the notice served by them completes regulatory notice period of 14 days.

The Congress MLCs led by chief whip of the Congress, Ivan D'Souza, had delivered the notice of no-confidence motion to the secretary of the council on May 30. No discussions are allowed for first 14 days since the notice is served. Even thereafter, it is left to the discretion of the chairman to allow this item to be included in the agenda of the legislative council. Ivan D'Souza said that on June 13, ten legislators will stand up to support the no-confidence motion and seek time for discussion. He said that this step is being followed as JD(S) has decided to stay neutral.

D H Shankaramurthy

At the same time, JD(S) is thinking of supporting the efforts of the Congress members to unseat Shankaramurthy if they agree to choose veteran JD(S) leader and MLC, Basavaraj Horatti, as the successor. It has however, decided to remain neutral till Congress approaches it for support. At the same time, it is said that sections of the party are of the opinion that supporting the Congress can benefit the party only if Horatti is given the post. Otherwise, JD(S) leaders feel, this move could provide BJP with a fresh issue to tongue-lash their party during electioneering.