The second day of the joint Session of the Karnataka Legislature at Vidhana Soudha here this morning, saw the Opposition parties targeting the Government on various issues. Soon as the Session began, BJP’s Sunil Kumar, supported by other members of the party, raised the Kambala (slush track buffalo race) issue, urging the Speaker to allow a debate on the topic.

Even as the BJP members were raising slogans demanding that Kambala be allowed, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah intervened to say that the Govt. was preparing a new act on Kambala and that the State Cabinet has approved the same.

Later, Shashikala Jolle raised the issue of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) sexually assaulting a mentally-retarded woman in Tumukuru and urged the Home Minister to dismiss the culprit ASI from service. Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara assured the House that the Government will definitely take action against the ASI.

Some JD(S) members taking strong exception to the attitude of Toll personnel on State Highways urged PWD Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa to take action against them. Dr. Mahadevappa, in his reply, said that he has convened a meeting to discuss the Toll issue in depth at 5 pm on Feb. 13, in which all Legislators can take part and come up with their grievances and suggestions. The Minister further said that National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) too would be asked to attend the meeting to clear the air on a host of Highway Toll collection issues.

Assembly Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar, referring to the recent violence at Laxmeshwar in Gadag during which the Police Station and vehicles were torched, demanded action against Laxmeshwar CPI. Reacting to the demand, Home Minister  Dr. Parameshwara said that the Government has already ordered a CID probe into the violence and that there was no question of shielding anyone.

Shettar, supported by other members of the party, lashed out at the Govt. for deteriorating law and order in the State capital and elsewhere in the State.

Replying to the charges, Dr. Parameshwara said that the Govt. was determined to ensure peace and harmony in the State and there will be no let down in tackling rowdy elements. He further said that the Police Department has launched a widespread crack down on anti-social elements and the Government has taken all measures to strengthen the Police force.