Revanna takes RTI help to take on Bopaiah

TNN, Oct 26, 2010

BANGLORE: There seems to be no relief for the ruling BJP and its men from controversies. On Monday, JD(S) legislature party leader H D Revanna sought speaker K G Bopaiah's dismissal alleging that the latter, who was deputy speaker at the time of his elevation, had drawn salary and house rent allowance in both capacities.

"Bopaiah became speaker in December 2009, but drew two salaries as deputy speaker and speaker for November 2009. Further, he claimed house rent allowance and maintenance allowance for both positions for the same month that year," Revanna alleged. He said he'd obtained the information through RTI.

According to Revanna, Bopaiah drew salary of Rs 10,000 as deputy speaker; house rent allowance of Rs 20,000; house maintenance of Rs 5,000; vehicle allowance Rs 26,050 and travel allowance of Rs 91,928 for the month of November.

"He was not the speaker in November, but drew salary of Rs 12,000; house rent allowance of Rs 20,000; house maintenance of Rs 5,000; vehicle allowance of Rs 25,060 and travel allowance of Rs 1.13 lakh. Despite staying in big rooms at the Legislators' Home (LH), he claimed house rent allowance, which no speaker has done so far," Revanna charged.

SECY DEFENDS SPEAKER

Bopaiah's secretary P Omprakash said the speaker at no stage had drawn salary or enjoyed house rent allowance in respect of the two positions. "Since November 16, 2009, Bopaiah has been discharging duties as speaker and drawing salary and other perks from December 2009. At any stage, he hasn't drawn salary as deputy speaker and as speaker," Omprakash said.

HDK ON DENIAL MODE

Former CM H D Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) will file a suit in the high court against the BJP's corrupt practices and submit documents to substantiate the charges.

Denying that he had kept the 11 dissident BJP MLAs under some kind of house arrest, Kumaraswamy claimed they were with him on their will at a resort on Bangalore's outskirts.

Kumaraswamy, who has been going all out to dislodge the BJP in Karnataka, said he would continue with his efforts as the government has failed on all counts.