Facing public outcry, K'taka CM Shettar cancels MLAs study tour

Facing public outcry over legislators undertaking a foreign trip when the state is hit by drought, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Tuesday ordered cancellation of an overseas "study" tour by a legislature committee and asked them to return.

"The foreign tour by MLAs has been cancelled. The first batch of MLAs who are currently touring in a foreign country has been asked to return," Shettar, who came under attack from Opposition parties over the MLAs foreign trip, said.

The members of the Public Undertaking Committee of the state legislature are visiting Argentina and other parts on a study tour at the expense of the state exchequer.

Another group of 12 members of the Estimates Committee headed by BJP MLA Abhay Patil was scheduled to fly to Russia and Europe on September 26, which has now been put on hold.

Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa had last week slammed the MLAs for their foreign trip and asked them to return immediately.

He had also said people of their respective constituencies would teach them a lesson.

Replying to a query on the busting of a terror module by police in Karnataka, Shettar said the government has decided to strengthen the anti-terror cell in the state.

Police have arrested 14 terror suspects having links with LeT and HuJI since August 30.

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