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

The 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 the 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 the invitation card for the inauguration of Iruvail panchayat's new building on July 31. 

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

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

BJP MLA takes dig at govt 

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

As the MLA expressed his disapproval over the 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. They (DC, CEO) have received orders from higher-ups to take action against officials who hadn't mentioned Priyank Kharge's name in the invitation."

What does the protocol say? 

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