Bangalore: Dakshina Kannada Problems Hog Limelight During Assembly Question Hour
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Mar 11: MLAs of the ruling and the opposition parties, particularly those hailing from Dakshina Kannada district, clashed with each other on Wednesday March 10 over the issue of the development of the district, during the question hour in the state assembly. While Bantwal MLA, Ramanath Rai, forcefully tried to floor the state government on its failure, the ruling party MLAs retaliated in equal measure, over this issue that was raised quite unexpectedly.
A question raised by Puttur MLA, Mallika Prasad, about Dakshina Kannada Agriculturists Marketting Cooperative Society, paved way for these verbal skirmishes. Before the minister concerned could give his replies, Bantwal MLA, Ramanath Rai, jumped to his feet. “The state government had promised to sanction Rs 12 crore for the revival of this society last year. Even though the society has been finding it hard even to pay the salaries of its employees, the government has not fulfilled its promises,” he complained.
BJP MLA, Yogish Bhat, reacting to this allegation, started reminding Rai about various development activities undertaken by the state government in Dakshina Kannada district, but this angered Rai. Exchange of angry words and retorts between Rai and Bhat ensued thereafter. Later too, Rai tried to repeatedly stand up to draw the attention of the speaker towards the woes of his home district.
It was then the turn of Yeshwantpur MLA, Shobha Karandlaje, to take on Rai. “Dakshina Kannada now suffers from lack of a proper road communication system. It has turned into a virtual island. What is your government at the centre doing? Tell your leaders at Delhi to repair the district roads. Shouting in the assembly will not be of any use,” she said, taking Rai to task. When Rai tried to counter, BJP legislators raised a din, stopping him in his tracks.
Leader of the opposition, Siddaramaiah, intervened to ask Shobha as to whether she represented Dakshina Kannada district. She said, she was elected from Bangalore, but represents the whole state. Siddaramaiah remarked that he himself and several likeminded people had sympathized with Shobha when she was dropped from the ministry. “Her voice appears to have been rejuvenated since the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed. She has been now talking strongly. What will we do if 74 female MLAs get elected and participate in the debate like this,” he wondered, albeit in a witty way.