Karnataka: 2 govt officials suspended for not inviting Priyank Kharge to Panchayat event

Karnataka government suspended two government officials for not inviting Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Priyank Kharge to a panchayat event in Manglaore on Monday (July 31). 

During  Panchayat Development Officers (PDO) meeting in Mangalore on Tuesday (August 1) BJP MLA Umanath Kotian alleged that Moodbidri Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer (EO) Dayavathi and Iruvail Gram Panchayat PDO Kanthappa were placed under suspension for allegedly not mentioning RDPR Minister Kharge's name on invitation card for inauguration of Iruvail panchayat's new building on July 31. 

Kotian alleged that program too was called off even though  Moodbidri Taluk Panchayat EO and Iruvail Gram Panchayat PDO h followed protocol guidelines issued by Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office. While speaking to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a public meeting, he said, "As per instructions from DC office, invitation cards were printed and guest names were mentioned which included Assembly Speaker UT Kher's name." 

"But suddenly chief executive officer (CEO) and DC directed program should be called off immediately. Though invitation card was printed as per given guidelines. Only 2 officials were suspended by CEO. Why did CEO suspend m? And why shouldn't we do an inauguration?"

BJP MLA takes dig at govt 

BJP MLA took a dig at government by asserting that re are 5,950 Gram Panchayats in state and it's not possible for minister to attend every program being held at Panchayats. "Is it possible for minister? Isn't district-in-charge minister enough for local-level Panchayat programmes?"

As MLA expressed his disapproval over suspension of two government officials, CM Siddaramaiah promised that this issue will be taken up seriously and reports will be sought. In response to BJP MLA, Siddaramaiah said, "Priyank Kharge's name was not mentioned it seems. y (DC, CEO) have received orders from higher-ups to take action against officials who hn't mentioned Priyank Kharge's name in invitation."

What does protocol say? 

According to government protocol, if a government program is held in a certain region, elected MP, MLAs and concerned Minister of department, and district-in-charge minister's names should be mentioned in official invitations and ir office should be informed prior about event.