Kagodu Thimmappa: My job is to alert the govt

Bengaluru: Defending his outbursts against the state government, Speaker of the  Assembly, Kagodu Thimmappa, on Tuesday maintained that he would not be deterred by the signature campaign launched by some ruling Congress legislators but continue to sound the alarm to ensure that the government provides a transparent and receptive administration.

Speaking to media persons here, the octogenarian leader said he was not aware of the signature campaign by some Congress legislators, nor would he bother about any such move against him.

“I have not levelled allegations against anyone, but only urged that the administration be geared up in the state. Demanding a transparent administration for the benefit of people is not a sin on my part.

I will not hesitate to speak the truth in future. I have not considered politics as a business. I am here to serve my people. I am inspired by the principles of socialist leaders Ram Manohar Lohia and Shantaveri Gopalagowda in my life”, remarked a visibly upset Mr Thimmappa.

When asked about former KPCC president B Janardhan Poojary’s demand for his resignation, he replied: “I do not know which Poojary demanded my resignation.

I have not demanded this post (Speaker). I even know the year when Mr Poojary entered politics”, Mr. Thimmappa said to drive home the point that he was senior to the former Union minister.  

The Speaker said “Health minister U.T. Khader met me and explained all steps taken to set right the department.” Besides, his relentless struggle to stop the government from relocating people dwelling in forests was a success, and the government had decided to allot land to people who submitted applications for ‘BagarHukum’ land, he added.