Ministers' absence in assembly undermines govt's dignity: Speaker

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Tuesday criticised the absence of Ministers in the House, saying it undermines the dignity of the government. He sought to know why Ministers choose to hold their positions if they cannot come to the Assembly sessions and take part in the discussions on time. Responding to opposition BJP's criticism of the government, he said most Ministers were absent in the Assembly, other than a few. "... The Ministers should be present in the House, no one can tolerate their absence. Ministers are bringing down the dignity of this government. By not coming to the House on time, Ministers are causing disrespect to the government, despite good works," he said from the Chair.

Pointing out that no Minister other than Krishna Byre Gowda was present in the House on Monday evening, he said his presence facilitated some legislative business. "Why become a Minister when they don't like to come to the House on time? Send someone who can come (on time as Ministers). They want to become Ministers, but they can't answer or stand on behalf of the government in the Assembly, what should be done?" he wondered. The Speaker remarked that opposition criticism on the issue cannot be dismissed. When Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil arrived in the House, Khader said, "When the Chief Minister is in the House, all Ministers come, it is not required, as the Chief Minister can manage things.

They (Ministers) should come, when the CM is not there. What is the use of (Ministers) coming when he (CM) is here, and leaving when he is not there." Earlier, as Leader of Opposition R Ashoka initiated a discussion on the law and order situation, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar criticised the government pointing at the empty treasury benches. "Who is there in the House to question this government?,'' he asked.