From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 22: The Opposition Congress party’s day-night dharna in both the Houses of State Legislature demanding the dismissal of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa sixth consecutive day on Tuesday, February 22 forced the abrupt closure of the Legislature Session, three days ahead of schedule. The Congress has been protesting against Eshwarappa for his statement of hoisting saffron flag at Red Fort.

The two Houses will meet again for the State Budget Session from March 4.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is also heading the Finance Department, will be presenting his government’s first budget on March 4.

Speaker Vishweswar Hegde Kageri said the Assembly properly functioned only for two days and five days were lost owing to dharna by the principal Congress members seeking resignation of Minister Eshwarappa for his remarks earlier that the saffron flag could in future fly in place of the Tricolour on Red Fort.

The Speaker said he had convened six to seven meetings with the leaders of both Opposition Congress and ruling BJP. But all his efforts had gone in vain and the Congress members' continued protest caused disturbances to the conduct of business, Kageri said.

Eshwarappa, however, stated that he is a lion and opposition are like other animals in a jungle who are always fearful of lions. "They have been taking my name for five days like prayers. I have not said anything wrong regarding hoisting of saffron flag. I did not say anything about removal of the tricolour," he defended.