Bengaluru: The BJP and JD(S) members took the Government to task regarding the absence of the Ministers and the officials when serious discussions were taking place with respect to their departments.

BJP members Govind Karjol, Basavaraj Bommai, Lakshman  Savadi, JD(S) members K. M. Shivalinge Gowda and others took serious objection when they saw the visible absence of the Ministers and the officials.

When Rural Development Minister H.K. Patil said that he and a few other Ministers were present and to continue with the discussion, there was heated exchange of words between the ruling and Opposition members.

Lakshman Savadi in a raised voice said, “The officials can be seen in the clubs and chatting. If you want, go and see. You will find them there.”

At this juncture when Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra said that there were officials in the Assembly who could record the discussion, Savadi flared up and asked the Minister not to support the officials.