Karnataka: Cabinet undecided on tabling Manipaddy report on Wakf assets
Bengaluru: The State Cabinet discussed in detail regarding the report submitted by former chairman of Karnataka State Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manippady that dwelt on alleged irregularities in wakf properties across the State. According to sources, some members favored tabling the report before both Houses as per the affidavit filed by the State Advocate General before the High Court last year that the government would table the report in the February session (current session). However, other members felt the report should not be placed before the House due to several shortcomings in the Manipaddy report.
According to report, the irregularities runs into several crores and also points to the alleged involvement of several bigwigs in the scam. Last year, CM Siddaramaiah had made a statement on the floor of the Legislative Council that the report would be placed during the governor's address to both Houses. Sources said the report is likely to create a political storm because of the involvement of political bigwigs in the scandal. Mr Manippady had submitted his report in 2012 to then Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and it was accepted and discussed in two Cabinet meetings. Thursday’s cabinet meeting discussed the pros and cons of tabling the report in the Legislative Assembly and the Council. Ultimately, it was reportedly decided to refer the matter to the CM. The opposition BJP in the Legislative Council had been demanding that the government place the report before the House as agreed in the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on Wednesday.
The Cabinet also decided to promulgate an ordinance to impose a total ban on manufacturing, storing and selling of plastic products below 40 microns in view of its impact on the environment. This will also include products made out of thermacol. The Cabinet also discussed reservation for posts of presidents and vice-presidents in zilla panchayats and taluk panchayats whose results were announced recently. The meeting finalised the list but preferred to wait for some time before making a formal announcement.
