by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Bangalore, June 19: The State Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on the first day of the monsoon session today as the Opposition parties demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on the BMIC controversy.

The Opposition parties led by the Congress began a dharna in the House when the Speaker Krishna refused to allow an adjournment motion on the issue.

The Speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes amidst noisy scenes as the Opposition members raised slogans demanding the Chief Minister's resignation.

As the House met for the day's proceedings, former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh and KPCC President Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue saying that the Chief Minister had no moral right to continue in power as he had failed to take action against the NICE Managing Director Ashok Kheny and the journalist who allegedly tried to bribe the Chief Minister.

They argued that under Section 203 of Indian Penal Code (IPC), the person who fails to report the bribery cases to the Police is also guilty.

"The Chief Minister has committed an offence by not reporting the matter to the Police," they added.

"He may plead ignorance about the provisions of Section 203 of IPC. A person ignorant of such provisions has no right to hold the office of the Chief Minister," the Congress leaders observed.

Strongly reacting to the demand, Kumaraswamy said that he would not run away as he was not a coward. "I need not resign just because you demand. I will reply to your allegations at an appropriate time," the Chief Minister said.

The Speaker adjourned the House when the Opposition began a dharna protesting against the Speaker's ruling not to allow an adjournment motion.