I am disappointed, MLAs didn't discuss N-K issues: Speaker Ramesh Kumar

Belagavi: While claiming that he was more or less satisfied with the way the legislature session had gone in Belagavi, Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar admitted on Friday that he was disappointed that issues pertaining to North Karnataka were not discussed.

Speaking to reporters after the Assembly was adjourned sine die, Mr Kumar said although a special discussion on development of North Karnataka was on the agenda, it could not be completed. “Sand transportation and irrigation in North Karnataka were other important issues that were not touched on during the session,” he acknowledged.

Revealing that the House had conducted 40 hours and 45 minutes of business, he said the expenditure involved was lesser by around Rs 8 to 10 crore when compared to last year..

Asked about cutting expenditure further, Mr Kumar said that he had appointed a special officer to oversee the spending , but ruled out ordering an inquiry into the previous year's expenses. “The expenditures of Governors, High Court judges and the Speaker are not audited as these are high and respectable offices,” he pointed out, however, adding that an inquiry was already on and the report was expected to throw light on unwarranted expenditure.

Asked about the pandemonium in the assembly over the last two days, Mr Kumar said he had tried to advise members of both the ruling and opposition parties to maintain order , but when they didn't listen, he had no option but to introduce Bills amidst the din. “This is not unprecedented,” he argued.

On Assembly Secretary, Murthy moving the High Court against him, he said he had a right to file a case against anyone he wanted and he was exercising it.