Most Senior Congress and JD (S) leaders did not bathe yesterday, as they could not leave the day-and-night dharna at the Vidhan Soudha
Most Senior Congress and JD (S) leaders did not bathe yesterday, as they could not leave the day-and-night dharna at the Vidhan Soudha
Senior members of the Opposition spearheading the day-and-night dharna at the Assembly were unable to bathe yesterday.
They did not want to move the scene of action, as they feared that party MLAs would leave in their absence.
Siddaramaiah, leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, wanted to take a shower, in the afternoon, before lunch. He reportedly changed his mind when he sensed that some party MLAs were planning to give him the slip.
"Nobody should go out," he warned Congress MLAs in a schoolmaster's tone. "If I see anybody going out without my permission, I will have to take strict action against them."
More importantly, opposition leaders appeared to be a little worried that the Assembly marshals will close the doors of the house after they left and they will not be able return.
On a visit
When Siddaramaiah requested senior leaders Dr Parameswar and T B Jayachandra to take charge of the team, so he could go for a shower, they said they wanted to do so as well.
However, as the leader readied to leave, news came in that Union Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge will be visiting the Assembly.
The leaders decided to wait for Kharge. Shortly after Kharge left, JD(S) president and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda arrived.
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"However, I could not take a bath. Now, you can seeing how I am stuck here. However, I think when we are fighting for something, we should be ready to face such difficulties."
Fresh look
Some legislators did manage to leave for home and freshen up. Several others made a line for the legislators' home nearby.
"I just can't start my day without taking a bath, which is why I went home after seeking permission," said
N A Haris, an MLA from Shanthinagar. "However, I tried to make it as fast as possible, as being a part of the protest is my priority."
Congress State Working President D K Shivakumar, and JD(S) legislator party leader H D Revanna were among the leaders who appeared fresh. At 1.30 pm, both leaders joined the protests after a they had a shower and some homemade food.
"Only a few of us could go out," explained B C Patil, a Congress MLA. "I could not have a bath. I have made this sacrifice for the sake of the protest."
No one, however, had to sacrifice lunch, which was served at 2 pm. The meal was sponsored by Shivajinagar MLA Roshan Baig.
Governor meets president
In the midst of opposition protests, Governor H R Bharadwaj met President Pratibha Patil yesterday. The Governor, along with his wife, met Patil over breakfast according to sources at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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| As Siddaramaiah readied to leave for a shower, Union Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge too arrived at the Assembly |
Both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature witnessed protestsu00a0 by opposition leaders over the illegal mining issue.
Opposition leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurpapa, who has promised to put an end to the menace.
'Don't shave, look unkempt'
MLAs from the Congress and JD(S) have been asked not to shave for some time so they look unkempt during their protests against the government in the Assembly.
"It is not a strict instruction, but a suggestion from our leaders," said N Haris. "I think they are right, which is why I have not shaved even after I had bath in the morning."
| CM fumes over non-veg food |
| Chief Minister Yeddyurappa criticised protesting opposition members for eating non-vegetarian food in the Assembly hall during the day-and-night dharna. |
| Helmets and blankets stolen |
| Someone whisked away many of the miners' helmets that were worn by JD (S) MLAs protesting illegal mining in the state. Congress MLAs complained that the blankets they had brought along for the night were missing. |
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