Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Mr. U.T. Khader has referred complaints against Revenue Department Principal Secretary Mr. Rajender Kumar Kataria (1996-batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer) and Additional Superintendent of Police Mr. Mahesh Meghannavar to the Privileges Committee for alleged misconduct towards legislators.
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Complaints Against Officials
Congress MLA Mr. Raju Kage (Kagwad constituency) accused IAS officer Mr. Rajender Kumar Kataria of insulting him during discussions on development projects in Belagavi district. Condemning the officer’s behavior, Mr. Khader stated that such disrespect was not just towards the MLA but the entire House. He referred the matter to the Privileges Committee for further action.
Similarly, BJP MLA Mr. Basavaraj Mattimud (Gulbarga Rural constituency) alleged that Mr. Mahesh Meghannavar, Additional Superintendent of Police, had shown disrespect towards him and demanded action.
Demands for Action
Leader of Opposition Mr. R. Ashok, along with BJP legislators Mr. Arvind Bellad and Mr. Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, strongly criticized the IAS officer’s conduct and urged the government to take strict action. Mr. Yatnal even suggested transferring Mr. Kataria to Jammu and Kashmir as a punitive measure.
In response, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. H.K. Patil attempted to mediate by suggesting that both officials be summoned to the Speaker’s chamber for discussions. However, Mr. Khader emphasized that government officials must understand how to respect legislators, ultimately deciding to refer both matters to the Privileges Committee for further deliberation.
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