JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy accused Congress of using IAS officers for its party program. Kumaraswamy also said that the Speaker was suppressing the voice of the Opposition even when they raised this issue in the Assembly. The issue pertains to 30 IAS officers deputed by the Congress party to receive political leaders who attended the Opposition party meeting in Bengaluru on July 17-18.


JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said, "We have been observing the proceedings of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for two days. Congress has used IAS officers for its party program. We have spoken against this in the House. Former CM Basavaraj Bommai has also questioned this in the House. The Speaker is suppressing the voice of the opposition." 






Earlier, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of introducing an "IAS bonded labour policy" by deputing 30 IAS officers to serve alliance leaders in Bengaluru. 


Kumaraswamy said that the IAS officers are symbols of the state's ability and efficiency and using them was a clear violation of All India Services (Conduct) Rules. 


Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that the protocol was followed for the state guests. 


Around 26 top leaders of Opposition parties met and chalked out a plan to defeat the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The leaders who attended the meet include Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and CMs Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren.


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