8 MLCs for privilege motion against Palike opposition chief Padmanabha Reddy
Bengaluru: Eight MLCs, accused of claiming TA/DA though they are residents of Bengaluru city, have sought permission to move a privilege motion against Opposition leader in BBMP Council, Padmanabha Reddy, the complainant in their case, according to D H Shankaramurthy, Chairman of the Legislative Council.
He told the media here on Saturday that just when he was set to consult the advocate general about a complaint against these eight MLCs, they sought his permission to move a privilege motion against Mr Reddy on grounds that allegations against them were “false and baseless.”
In his complaint, Mr Reddy charged that Mr Manohar, Mr Raghu Achar, Mr R B Timmapur, Mr M D Laxminarayan, Mr Allum Veerabhadrappa, Mr Appaji Gowda, Mr S Ravi and Mr N S Bhosraj provided proof of address to be eligible to vote in BBMP’s mayoral elections, but claimed TA/DA for travelling in their respective constituencies. Besides, a few of them reportedly cast their votes in mayoral elections in their respective cities. After collecting details about these MLCs from the secretariat, Mr Reddy submitted a complaint to Mr Shankaramurthy seeking their disqualification under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, People's Representatives Act and 10th schedule of the Constitution.
Based on their complaint, Mr Shankararmurthy said, notices were served on these MLCs, asking them to reply within a week. However, they sought four weeks time. Subsequently, they filed a written explanation claiming that they had not erred, and sought permission to move a privilege motion against Mr Reddy.
He said these MLCs could be right in claiming TA/DA while touring their respective constituencies even after changing their residential addresses but it was morally incorrect. This was the first such case against MLCs, and was sensitive and complex.
“I will discuss the case with the advocate general next week. If I am not convinced, former advocate generals too will be consulted before arriving at a decision,” he added.
Shankaramurthy to be made AP Governor?
Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said speculation about his appointment as Governor of united Telangana and Andhra Pradesh was partly true. “I am seeing news reports regarding this since Friday. I do not know the source of these reports, but they are 60 per cent true. Our national leaders spoke to me 10 days ago and have promised to get back after the presidential polls. Two to three years ago, our party leaders had promised me the Governor's post and nothing was heard ever since. Now, news regarding my appointment as Governor is making rounds again".
