Belgum: On Day One of the winter session of the legislature, convened in this border city to amend three Acts including the Karnataka Land Revenue Act and Essential Services MainteÂnance Act (ESMA), KJP leader and former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa held the Legislative Assembly to ransom, by resorting to a round-the-clock sit-in along with his supporters, on Monday.
Yeddyurappa, who staged a protest in Bangalore over the last 25 days demanding extension of benefits of 'Shaadi Bhagya' scheme to poor brides of all castes and communities, lost his temper and flung a set of official documents when Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa asked him to be more precise. He stormed into the well of the House along with four legislators belonging to his breakaway party and announced a day-night sit-in till the government yields to his demand for extension of benefits of the scheme to poor brides, irrespective of caste or community.
Chief Minister SiddaraÂmaiah said that contrary to reports, he was not for or against any community. Citing financial constraints in expanding the scheme he said: “This programme, called Bidayi (farewell), was announced in the budget.
It is not meant to appease members of one or certain community. If one has to extend the benefits of this programme to all communities, it will lead to an additional burden. Since we are already in November, I can consider an extension of benefits to other communities in next year's budget,” he added.
