Karnataka passes vote-on-account bill

BANGALORE, March 27: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the vote-on-account for the financial year 1998-99 amidst a walk-out by the BJP members. The bill was passed by a voice vote after the Government refused to heed the Opposition’s demand for granting relief on tax on commodities used by the poor.

While the BJP staged a walk-out, Congress members protested against the government’s refusal to withdraw the tax on wheat products. Opposition leader Mallikarjuna Kharge, BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, Congress members Vasanth Salyan, Kagodu Thimmappa, Vatal Paksha member Vatal Nagaraj, CPI(M) member G V Srirama Reddy and Independent member J C Madhuswamy urged the Government to withdraw the tax. Defending the government’s stand, Finance Minister Siddaramaiah said unlike the neighbouring states where wheat was also taxed, Karnataka merely levied a two per cent sales tax on wheat products. Congress members facilitated smooth passage of the vote-on-account bill after Opposition leader MallikarjunKharge agreed to a voice vote.

Earlier, he pressed for a division of votes stating it was the only way the Congress could register its protest.