Bangalore: DVS Sworn in as MLC, to Resign as MP on Dec 28
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Dec 27: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who assumed power on August 4 following the resignation of his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa, was sworn in as the member of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister was administered the oath as member of the State’s Upper House by its Chairman D H Shankaramurthy, in the presence of Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar and several other cabinet ministers and state BJP leaders, in the chambers of the Council Chairman.
The swearing in ceremony was held in a low key and simple manner in view of the State Government’s observation of three days mourning over the death of former chief minister S Bangarappa. Gowda took the oath as MLC in the name of Goid.
Gowda, who had been elected as the member of the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, was required to become a member of either of the house of the State Legislature within six months of being sworn in to the coveted post of Chief Minister or by February 3 in accordance with the constitutional norms.
The Chief Minister was elected to the Legislative Council in the December 12 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting BJP MLC Shankarappa.
Now that Gowda has duly become an MLC while still being the MP, he will have to quit either as MLC or MP within 15 days of being elected.
The Chief Minister, who spoke to the media after the brief and simple swearing in ceremony as MLC, indicated that he would resign his Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat on Wednesday, December 28.
Gowda also said he would be consulting the BJP national leaders on the expansion of his ministry to fill up the seven vacant ministerial berths in the cabinet. The number of ministers to be inducted and the names would be decided in consultation with the Central leaders, he said.
Answering questions, the chief minister said he would accord utmost priority for implementing all the schemes and programmes announced by his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa and would decide on launching new programmes or schemes in the ensuing budget for the year 2012-13 later.