BENGALURU: Former minister and BJP leader S. Suresh Kumar on Friday dropped a bombshell announcing his decision to quit the House committee constituted to probe encroachment of lakes, a move which could open a can of worms as his letter to Speaker and head of the committee, K B Koliwad, highlights the fact that the final report has been delayed in order to help some real estate firms.
Sources close to the former minister disclosed to Deccan Chronicle that Mr Suresh Kumar took the decision to resign as he was upset with the functioning of the committee, and the fact that relatives of certain members were mounting pressure on behalf of the real estate lobby.
“Mr Suresh Kumar, who is known for his integrity, has taken a political stand which is likely to raise questions about legitimacy of the House committee,” sources added.
In a detailed statement released to the media, Mr Suresh Kumar has raised questions about continuance of Mr Koliwad as head of the committee even after he was elected the Speaker. “After giving a careful thought, and detailed discussions with various experts, I have come to a conclusion that as a Speaker, one can not head a committee. Ethically, it is not right on your part to head this committee.
“Until now, every House committee was supposed to submit its report to the Speaker, and till you (Mr Koliwad) became the Speaker, none has headed any committee. I thought that after becoming the Speaker, you would resign on your own and uphold committee," says his letter to Mr Koliwad.
In his letter, the former minister also highlighted the fact that all is not well in the committee as many allegations about its functioning had surfaced. “This committee was formed two years and two months ago and until now, it has held about 50 meetings. Still, there is not sign of ending the meeting and file a detailed report. I feel that the the tradition. But, some how, this has not happened. Therefore, I feel embarrassed to continue as a member of this committee may still go on. In such an eventuality, the state government may not have time to implement it (the report) as the duration of the present dispensation is just about 17 months. Therefore, I felt that it is better for me to leave the committee mid-way,” adds his letter.
Meanwhile, Mr Koliwad said “I have not received any letter from Mr Kumar yet. Whatever, I have come across, is through media. I do not wish to react to media reports. Once I receive the letter and go through its contents, I will either react or if the matter is really serious then I may even address a press conference.”
