From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 23: Making full use of its majority in the State Legislative Assembly, the Basavaraj Bommai regime managed to push through its controversial Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill in the lower house during the Belagavi session on Thursday.

The opposition Congress party stoutly opposed the bill, when it was taken up for consideration in the Assembly and staged a dharna demanding withdrawal of the bill by contending that it was unconstitutional and aimed at furthering the political agenda of the ruling BJP.

The Congress party termed the Bill as draconian and anti-human and also alleged that it had been brought to target a particular community.

The Assembly Speaker Vishweshara Hegde Kageri took up the bill for consideration and voting and declared it passed through voice vote despite the stiff opposition from the Congress party members, who sat on a dharna and shouted slogans against the State Government.

The bill, however, may not pass muster in the Upper House during the current legislature session as the ruling BJP does not have a majority in the Legislative Council and could take it up during the forthcoming budget session of the State Legislature, which is likely to be held in February.