Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa alleged on Sunday that the recommendation of the Appachu Ranjan Committee to suspend 15 legislators for “unruly behaviour” in the Legislative Assembly was another attempt by the B.S. Yeddyurappa-led BJP Government to throw the established democratic practises to the wind.
Mr. Ugrappa alleged that the committee had not properly inquired into the incidents that occurred during the vote of confidence on October 11, 2010. If the behaviour was indeed unruly, then the Committee should have also recommended suspension of Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar of abetment, he told presspersons.
“The committee has only said some persons coaxed the 15 legislators. It has deliberately not included the names of Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar (in the list of legislators recommended for suspension) as it will boomerang.”
Mr. Ugrappa said the Speaker had not appointed the committee with the approval of Legislative Assembly. The Speaker did not have power to suspend the legislators on the basis of the committee's recommendations.
Mr. Ugrappa alleged that the committee had not looked into the complaints filed by the Congress.
The Bharatiya Janata Party had used its party member Appachu Ranjan to get a favourable report which would help in consolidating its number in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Ugrappa said the Congress was looking into legal issues related to the recommendation and it will take necessary action if the Speaker acted on it.
Asked about the poor performance of the Congress in the zilla and taluk panchayat elections, Mr. Ugrappa said the party leaders would be discussing the reasons in a conclave that would be held shortly.
