Karnataka Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimappa on Monday referred to the Privileges Committee the complaint against SR Hiremath for allegedly targeting certain ruling Congress MlAs by projecting them as “tainted”.
While responding to the suggestions made by Ramesh Kumar and law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister TB Jayachandra, The Speaker said, “I am referring this issue of Hiremath targeting certain Congress MlAs to be inducted into the Cabinet to the Privileges Committee for appropriate action.”
He also directed the Committee to expedite its findings on Hiremath’s alleged remarks against “tainted” legislators and submit a report as soon as possible. Moving a breach of privilege motion against the lone crusader against illegal mining and founder of Samaj Parivarthana Samudaya (SPS) Hiremath, former Speaker and Congress MlA Ramesh Kumar said he faces no charges in any court and neither the Governor nor the CM objected to him being the MlA.
Kumar urged the Speaker to initiate breach of privilege motion against Hiremath for maligning his image. “ Hiremath has been regularly calling me tainted and has brought ignominy to me and my family. I urge the honourable chair to initiate breach of privilege motion against the civil activist,” the fifth-time MlA added. law Minister Jayachandra said this was the third time Hiremath had given statements against “tainted” legislators not to be included in the Cabinet.
He said, “If such statements are not opposed by legislators, these will be assumed as truth. If we don’t take any step to refer it to privilege panel, it will be difficult for members to work.” Hiremath had been criticising people who are involved in illegal mining. In fact, Minister Santosh lad had to resign following Hiremath’s sustained campaign.