Karnataka BJP MLAs staged a walkout on Wednesday protesting against an announcement made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outside the legislature about increasing the minority welfare funds from Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore in the coming years.
BJP MLAs alleged that Siddaramaiah had broken the tradition by making an announcement outside the Legislature when it was in session. The chief minister said at a convention in Hubballi on Monday that he would increase the allocation to the minority welfare department every year, adding that the government was looking to spend Rs 10,000 crore in the coming years.
BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar, who raised the matter in the Assembly, contended that no new announcement can be made outside when the House is in session. Other BJP legislators said the announcement amounted to minority appeasement and breach of privilege and that the government was looking to spend a large amount on Muslims.
The treasury benches rose to defend the chief minister, leading to a commotion in the Assembly. IT Minister Priyank Kharge argued there was nothing wrong with the announcement. “Any financial decision will come to this House for approval anyway,” he said.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil, who was with Siddaramaiah at the Hubballi event, said the chief minister had only promised to try to increase the department’s budget to Rs 10,000 crore, adding that BJP members could object only if he had allocated the funds.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashok, however, said, “A farmer died by suicide two days ago. The government cannot announce a package of Rs 2,000-3,000 crore for farmers, but Rs 10,000 crore is announced for minorities.”
Congress MLA CS Nadagouda raised a point of order and said the issue did not concern the House. Protesting BJP lawmakers staged a walkout even as Speaker UT Khader upheld Nadagouda’s point of order.
After the walkout, minister Patil said the controversy was unfortunate. “We are seeing that something non-existent is being stressed. The forum of the Assembly should not become a factory producing something far from the truth... Did the CM say he would allocate Rs 10,000 crore this year?” he said.
(With inputs from agencies)