Opposition shuns House Panel on porn-gate probe

BANGALORE: The fate of the proposed  House committee to probe the sleazy-clip episode involving three former BJP ministers hangs in balance with the Opposition Congress and JD(S) deciding to boycott the committee.Both Congress and JD(S) on Wednesday reiterated their decision not to participate in the House committee, terming it a “waste”.“When the three ministers themselves have admitted to their wrongdoing, where is the necessity for a probe? It is nothing but an eye-wash,” Opposition Leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah said.In Davanagere, JD(S) state chief H D Kumaraswamy echoed the view. “When the entire world has watched the footage  of ministers watching porn clips in the Assembly, where is the need for a House committee probe? It is an attempt to hush up the matter,” he said.The Opposition has been demanding disqualification of the trio’s Assembly membership, besides booking criminal cases. Meanwhile, Speaker K G Bopaiah has defended his decision to set up the committee stating that it was an unanimous decision.“The decision to constitute the House committee was taken after consulting all parties. If they are now unwilling to join the committee, it is upto them,” he added.Asked about his move, Bopaiah said: “The Opposition parties have not officially communicated their decision to boycott the House committee. Let them communicate their decision, then I will decide my next step.”