Shivamogga: According to the protocol, an MLC should get the same respect as an MLA during the programmes conducted by the government. However, there has been repeated lapse in following the protocol in the district by the officials. This has been brought up by MLC Ayanur Manjunath and MLA Kimmane Rathnakar during several occasions. However, the officials failed to act on this which has now irked MLC Manjunath.

The issue was raised once again as MLC Manjunath was not given due accord in the meeting held by Rural Development Minister K. S. Eshwarappa at the Deputy Commissioner’s Hall here on Monday August 9. The irked MLC walked out of the meeting along with other MLCs Rudregowda and Prasanna Kumar. They also threatened to boycott the meeting. However, Deputy Commissioner K. B. Shivakumar intervened in the matter and assured that no such disrespect will be tolerated in the future. This resulted in smooth proceedings of the rest of the meeting.

Further, the MLC warned the district level officers of dire consequences if there was protocol breach in the future. District In-Charge Minister Eshwarappa was witness to this incident.