Not guilty of disrupting assembly proceedings - Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 16: Mangalore MLA U. T. Khader said that he did not disrupt Assembly proceedings on Oct 11, 2010, the day on which CM B. S. Yeddyurappa won his first vote of confidence. However, Appachu Ranjan, who chaired a house committee set up to investigate the disruption in Assembly on that day, does not believe him. Khader is one of the 15 Opposition MLAs who might get suspended according to the reports of the house committee.

Khader insists that the 287-page report submitted at the house on Thursday has no evidence against him. The entire report contains only one photograph of him showing him permitting Opposition MLAs and media persons enter the house through the side door, he said, explaining that this happened much before the Speaker entered the house and the proceedings began.

Accusing the government of using this report as a tool to continue its number game in Assembly, Khader said that the committee has taken into consideration the false allegations of a Marshall to build a case against him, but could not produce a copy of the complaint lodged by this Marshall.

He also stated that the government is targeting him because he is one of those MLAs who are working hard to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach the rightful beneficiaries and are highlighting government failure to ensure that benefits reach beneficiaries in Assembly.

The 59th page of this report includes a submission by M. T. Krishnappa, one of the 7 JD (S) MLAs recommended for suspension. It also reminds Appachu Ranjan of the procedure that should be followed by Speakers while suspending MLAs. Krishnappa had cited an instance in which Appachu Ranjan was suspended by the then Speaker Ramesh Kumar for unruly behavior in Assembly.