Legislative committee granted extension

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Committee, constituted to probe the unruly scenes witnessed during the election of Speaker last year, has been granted extension till February 26 to submit its findings.

The committee, headed by BJP MLA Hemachandra Sagar, was to submit its report to Speaker K.G. Bopaiah on Saturday.

Bopaiah, talking to reporters here, said the committee had sought extension of time which has been granted.

Former minister and JDS MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan, Panduranga Kaka Sab (Congress) and others jumped onto the Speaker’s podium, pulled the microphone and manhandled N. Yogesh Bhat who was presiding over the proceedings on December 30 last year when the house took up the agenda of election of Speaker.

In the midst of the unprecedented unruly scenes, Bopaiah, the then Deputy Speaker was declared elected as the Speaker.

Four BJP MLAs had petitioned the Speaker for action against those members who indulged in violent acts.

Opposition Congress and JDS had asked the government to postpone the election as a mark of respect to Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan, who died on December 30 and in the light of the House being adjourned after paying homage to him.

Congress had fielded T.B. Jayachandra as its candidate in the election.

The ruling BJP turned down the opposition plea and went ahead with the election to fill up the vacancy caused due to the resignation of Jagadish Shettar following his induction into the ministry.