BJP demands debate on cheque bouncing case against minister Baburao Chinchansur

BELAGAVI: Opposition BJP in Karnataka Assembly today demanded discussion on the alleged cheque bounce case against Minister for Textiles Baburao Chinchansur, saying he was "not fit" to be in office and was threatening the complainant.

As the House met for the day, Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar raised the issue informing the chair about his adjournment motion notice and demanded discussion.

"Baburao Chinchansur who is in public life, has given a cheque of about Rs 11 crore which has bounced. A complaint on this has been filed in the Magistrate Court which has taken cognisance of the case," he said.

Objecting to this, Law Minister T B Jayachandra questioned how this issue can be sought for discussion under adjournment motion and requested the chair not to allow it.

Several Congress members even questioned Shettar's intention behind bringing private matter to the House.

Shettar said after failing to lure the woman complainant with post in boards and corporations, she is now being threatened.

Saying Chinchansur is "not fit" to be a minister, he requested the Speaker to allow issue to be discussed.

Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa said he will look into the issue. A woman named Anjana A Shanthaveer had sought permission from the Speaker to file a criminal case against Chinchansur.

In the letter, she had alleged that Chinchansur had borrowed Rs 11,88,00,000 from her and the cheque he had issued in return dated April 30 has bounced and when it was brought to the notice of the minister, he threatened her and refused to pay the borrowed amount.

However, the Speaker said in his reply that "Members of Legislature are not employed by anybody and they cannot be removed from their office by anybody including Speaker. Hence, the question of giving sanction does not arise."