Bangalore: The controversy over Energy Minister D K Shivakumar heading a house panel constituted to look into irregularities in the purchase of power since 2004 seems to have subsided.

The Opposition JD(S) and BJP had been sceptical about the independent nature of the probe if the energy minister himself headed the committee.

On Monday, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who had stayed away from the first meeting, attended and participated in the deliberations of the panel.

“I had written to Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa on my apprehensions. He (Speaker) has convinced me that the energy minister can head the panel,” Kumaraswamy told reporters. BJP member Visvesvara Hegde Kageri also attended Monday’s meeting.

The panel has sought details on power purchases made since 2004 from officials of power utilities. It will meet again on November 10.