BANGALORE, July 27: Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a dharna in the Legislative Council on Friday alleging that Congress members were cutting short D.V. Sadananda Gowda’s speech describing the serious lapses in security at the Vidhana Soudha.
Mr. Gowda, leader of the Opposition, raised the issue during Zero Hour about people, claiming to be supporters of Congress leaders, forcefully entering the Vidhana Soudha without subjecting themselves to a security check. He said when he entered the Vidhana Soudha in the morning, he saw groups of people barging into the complex defying the diktat of security personnel.
He said the security personnel later told him that this is a regular practice. If they try to prevent the supporters from entering the premises, they are threatened with dire consequences, such as termination of service.
Mr. Gowda said leaders might not be aware of the actions of their supporters, so it is the duty of the Chairman, who is the custodian of the Vidhana Soudha and Legislators’ Home, to take immediate action. At a time when prime installations of the government have been the targets of anti-social elements, such actions are a grave threat, he said.
Other problems
Meanwhile, Janata Dal (Secular) Floor Leader M.C. Nanaiah and his colleague Basavaraj Horatti raised the problem of too many vehicles on the Legislators’ Home premises, the entry of hoards of people and the misuse of official cars meant for Council members.
If anyone refuses to undergo security check, he or she should immediately be arrested, Mr. Nanaiah said.
In response, Chairman D.H. Shankaramurhty said he would soon hold a meeting with the Assembly Speaker, the Chief Minister, leaders of both Houses and the Opposition and discuss the matter.
