Bangalore: Opposition Congress and JDS staged a
dharna in Karnataka Legislative Assembly today demanding a CBI
probe into alleged "kickbacks" received by a trust run by
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa`s sons in return for Government
favours.
Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah (Congress) also
demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister.
However the opposition demand was rejected by the
government, which dubbed CBI as the "Congress Bureau of
Investigation".
"We can`t give it to CBI, that`s our party`s (BJP) stand.
We will not give any enquiry to CBI (to probe)", Law and
Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar said.
Insisting on a CBI probe, opposition members trooped into
the well of the House, staged a dharna and ignored appeals to
go back to their seats by Speaker K G Bopaiah, who then
adjourned the proceedings by half an hour.
A meeting of opposition leaders and Ministers convened by
the Speaker in his chamber apparently failed to break the
deadlock as Congress and JDS MLAs continued their dharna when
the House re-assembled.
Bopaiah then adjourned the House to meet post-lunch.
Earlier, Siddaramaiah alleged that funds given by donors to
Prerana Educational and Social Trust where B Y Raghavendra and
B Y Vijayendra, the Chief Minister`s sons, are among the
trustees, was not "donation", but "kickbacks" to get
government favours.
The issue had rocked the Assembly yesterday also. The
opposition alleged that the trust had received Rs 27.18 crore
donations during 2008-09 and 2009-10, with Adarsh Developers
and Jindal (JSW Mining company) being two of the major donors.
Siddaramaiah said Adarsh Developers was allowed to encroach
government land, while Jindal (JSW Mining Company) colluding
with the state-run Mysore Minerals Ltd had got benefits and
caused huge loss to the state exchequer.
"Bribe has taken place; corruption has taken place", he
said and charged the Government with receiving "illegal
gratification" and "kickbacks".
PTI
