Friday, January 27 2006 13:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The presence of officials from Raj Bhavan in the Legislative Assembly sparked off a heated debate in the House, where the Dharam Singh Government is slated to seek a vote of confidence today (Jan 27,2006).

As soon as the House met this morning, members who spoke took a serious note of their presence, and wanted to know whether the Speaker Krishna has permitted them to sit in the rows meant for State Government officials.

Vatal Nagaraj (Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha), Srirama Reddy (CPM), Jayaprakash Hegde (Independent) and other questioned the presence of the officials and urged the Chair to clarify as to whether they have come on their own or he has given his permission.

In the midst of the debate, the Raj Bhavan officials left the House.

"How can the Governor send his observers?", asked Reddy.

Water Resources and Transport Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge said the presence of the officials raised 'suspicion'about their visit to the House, and urged the Speaker to take the issue seriously.

The Speaker said he is considering the matter, and has taken note of the 'serious issues' raised by the members, and then give his ruling, which he reserved.