Date:08/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/08/stories/2006050812730400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rajanna challenges Krishna

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Secretary to the Legislative Assembly T. Rajanna, who has been placed under suspension, is in a defiant mood and challenged Speaker Krishna to prove the allegations against him.

In a television interview, he alleged that the legislature in Karnataka itself was violating the Constitution and he could cite several instances.

He also threatened to take the matter of his suspension to court and also appeal to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Mr. Rajanna was placed under suspension on Saturday following an inquiry into various allegations against him.

Assembly sources said that the suspended official had not cooperated with the two inquiry officers.

The inquiry is being conducted by two retired judges Sundaresh and Desi Gowda.

It is noted that the Karnataka legislature has a Principal Secretary, Robinson D'Souza, who is in overall charge of the two Houses of the legislature.

Mr. Rajanna was dealing with only the matters pertaining to the Assembly proceedings.