Ambareesh blames 'AC' for his prolonged absence in the House
- Former minister has not attended a single session since last June
- Siddaramaiah had dropped him from the cabinet during the reshuffle
- Speaker had issued notice seeking explanation from Ambareesh
FollowWhat could be the reason for former minister and Mandya MLA MH Ambareesh to remain absent from the proceedings of the House for a prolonged period? No, he is not busy strategising for the next elections or touring his constituency to know the problems of the people. Even, health wise, he is keeping well. Yet, he could not make it to the proceedings, since last June 2016. Reason? It is the air condition that is preventing him from attending the proceedings of the House.
While this may sound as trivial as it could, but that's the reason the actor-legislator has pointed out for his absence. Ambareesh in a letter addressed to the Speaker KB Koliwad has stated that he could not sit in an air-conditioned room - since his near-fatal recovery. Hence, he chose to stay out of the proceedings. But, he has promised to attend the session, next time.
In fact, Ambareesh's letter comes after Speaker sought an explanation from him. Speaker had been petitioned by JD(U) Mandya unit president BS Gowda seeking his disqualification from the Assembly as he was not present during the House proceedings. Â
Gowda had also complained that people of his constituency in Mandya were suffering as he did not visit the constituency too. But, Ambareesh - in his letter - denied those allegations. "It's not the people who have complained against me. I'm very much in touch with the people of my constituency," he remarked.
Ambareesh has remained absent for three sessions after he was dropped from the cabinet during the cabinet reshuffle in June 2016. Angered by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's move, he had infamously stated that "I am not a chappal (slipper) that can be worn and then thrown away".
It is learnt that as per the rules and procedure of the legislature, the Speaker could declare a seat vacated if a member remains absent from all its meetings for a period of 60 days without permission. However, Koliwad has not initiated any action against the former minister, so far.
