Karnataka: Eshwarappa’s remark plunges House into chaos

Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa's statement on jail for those who raised 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and bail for people who raised pro-Pakistan slogans disrupted the entire afternoon session of the Council on Thursday.

Participating in a debate on the law and order situation in the State, Mr Eshwarappa spoke on how the police booked cases against BJP activists who raised 'Bharath Mata Ki Jai' slogans in Hassan recently and how bail was granted to those who raised pro-Pakistan slogans in Shivamogga. He said he was sent to jail during the Emergency for raising  slogans hailing mother India.

Taking objection, Mr V.S. Ugrappa (Cong) accused Mr Eshwarappa of misleading the House and demanded evidence to prove it. Mr Narayansa Bhandge (BJP)  claimed that he too was put behind bars during the Emergency for raising 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogan.

Ruling party Leader S.R. Patil and Congress Chief Whip R.V. Venkatesh accused the BJP of spoiling peace and tranquility in society. Mr Maritibbegowda who was in the chair, ordered expunging of Mr Eshwarappa's statement from the records.

This angered BJP members who trooped into the well of the House demanding that the chair withdraw his order. In the meantime, BJP members raised slogans in favor of Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Sawarkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bharat Mata. Hailing the chairman's decision, the Congress members too came to the well of the House and raised anti-BJP slogans. The chairman adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

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