As farmers in the State weathered another day of drought, 18 of their elected representatives spent Saturday morning “driving through the charming streets of San Telmo and down the colourful roads of La Boca [Buenos Aires, Argentina]”.
They drove through “elegant Barrio Norte” and took in the amazing sights of the Recoleta hanging cemetery. They wound up the exhausting day with a visit to Palermo’s Mansions and Parks and recharged with Indian food at the downtown Indian restaurant ‘Mumbai’. After dinner at another Indian restaurant, they explored the city’s night life and watched some “raunchy” Tango performances.
This was the itinerary of Day two of the 13-day trip to Argentina, Brazil and Peru that 18 legislators have gone on at the taxpayer’s expense. The Hindu has secured the day-to-day details of the junket, which has generated sharp criticism because it has come at a time when the State is reeling under drought.
Significantly, none of the engagements involve an official meeting.
What is more, 10 legislators have taken their wives and children along. The travel expenses are estimated at Rs. 7 lakh per person.
The legislators who have taken their families along are: Karnataka Border Area Development Authority Chairman Chandrakant G. Bellad, R.B. Bhoosanoor, H.K. Kumaraswamy, Venkatrao Nadagoud, B.C. Patil, M.C. Sudhakar, Mohan A. Limbikai, Somanna Bevinamarad, Amarnath Patil and Doddarange Gowda.
Those who are travelling alone are: C.C. Patil, P.M. Narendraswamy, H.S. Prakash, Pratapgouda Patil, V.G. Halpeti, Ganesh P.B., Gulihatti Shekhar and Ramachandrachary.
