Bid to stall BBMP split: BJP, JD(S) use Rule 116

Bengaluru: Determined to prevent the state government from dividing BBMP, the combined Opposition is all set to demand that the Karnataka Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2015, be referred to a joint select committee when the Legislative Council resumes discussion on the Bill on Thursday.

Leader of Opposition K S Eshwarappa and JD (S) floor leader Basavaraj Horatti submitted a joint letter to Chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy, Monday evening seeking that the amendment bill be passed on to the select committee under rule 116, a move which caught the state government off guard though it was ready to accept a defeat in the upper House because of a lack of numerical strength.

On Thursday, members of Opposition parties would urge Mr Shankaramurthy to refer the bill to the select committee rather than allow the House to continue with the debate. Sources in Opposition said to prevent further delay, CM Siddaramaiah and law and parliamentary affairs minister T.B. Jayachandra rushed to Mr. Shankaramurthy’s chamber, and in his presence, tried to persuade Opposition leaders to pass the bill on Monday. Mr Shankaramurthy, however, told them that he would first give his ruling on the letter from Opposition leaders.

Under rule 116 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Karnataka Legislative Council, any member can request the amendment bill be referred to a joint select committee

• IF the government does not yield, the Opposition can press for a division of votes, and defeat the ruling party because of its numerical strength and ensure bill passed to joint select committee.
• IF the amendment bill goes to the committee, the CM heads the committee consisting of members of Congress, BJP and JD(S). The members can demand that objections against the amendment bill be invited from the public.