The state government endured some embarrassing moments as members from Opposition benches criticised ministers when several questions were unanswered in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. As soon as the proceedings commenced, Opposition members pointed out that none of the ministers was present in the House. Speaker K.G. Bopaiah then asked ruling party chief whip Mr Siddu Savadi to look into the issue and ensure that ministers were present in the House during question hour.
Subsequently, when several questions were posed to deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa, law and parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Kumar sought a day’s time as questions pertaining to portfolios held by Mr Eshwarappa were listed in both Houses. At this juncture, deputy leader of Opposition Mr T.B. Jayachandra took objection to Mr Suresh Kumar for referring to Mr Eshwarappa as deputy chief minister as there was no provision in the Constitution for such a position.
Mr Bopaiah then ruled that the designation of deputy chief minister should not be used in the House. Towards the end of question hour, the ministers requested for more time to reply to questions, including one on the report on illegal mining report and another on clubs in Bengaluru. Such a stand prompted leader of Opposition Mr Siddaramaiah to criticize the government for deferring replies to questions.