Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Yeddyurappa now a backbencher in legislative assembly

BANGALORE: Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who adorned the first seat in the front row in the Karnataka legislative assembly during his tenure as chief minister, was relegated to the last bench on Monday. 

In the assembly, it is the CM who sits in the first chair of the front row in the treasury benches, followed by his ministers. As Yeddyurappa is a six-time MLA, he should have got a seat after the ministers. According to sources, he requested for the last row, as it is closer to the door and provides space. 

Though a backbencher, he was still the most sought after leader by ruling party MLAs. The ailing leader arrived 15 minutes before the start of the session and chatted with his colleagues in the lounge. Many touched his feet, while some others shook hands with him. Asked about his jail stint, he said: "It was a good experience. I read, wrote my diary. What else could I do? There was so much time.'' 

His voice clearly showed that his throat infection was far from cured. He has been under treatment at Sagar Apollo Hospital in Bangalore and Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. 

At 11am, CM D V Sadananda Gowda arrived, shook hands with Yeddyurappa, and entered the hall with him. Yeddyurappa went to his allotted seat, while Gowda proceeded towards the opposition benches to shake hands with opposition leaders. When the House began with an obituary reference, Yeddyurappa sat listening to the speech by the CM and opposition leaders Siddaramaiah and H D Revanna. BJP ministers and MLAs wished him and shook hands, while some of his confidantes, like Ess Enn Krissnaiah Setty, Basavaraj Bommai and Suresh Gowda sat next to him for some time, chatting and giving him company. 

During his speech, opposition leader Siddaramaiah made a remark which surely would have pricked Yeddyurappa. Referring to late former minister K H Ranganath, Siddaramaiah said: "These days, it is difficult to find honesty in politics. But Ranganath was a non-corrupt and honest man, even when he was in power. He did not loot any public property.'' 

Throughout the deliberations, Yeddyurappa sat quietly and after two hours, left the House. However, he returned for the post-lunch session and sat till the end.

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