Karnataka speaker rules out resignation

BANGALORE: Karnataka assembly speaker K.G. Bopaiah Monday rejected demands for his resignation in view of the Supreme Court's adverse comments on his action of disqualifying 16 lawmakers in October last year."The Supreme Court has not passed strictures against me, but only made observations on my decision to disqualify (the 16 lawmakers)," Bopaiah told reporters here ahead of assembly session beginning June 2.The Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) is boycotting the 10-day session to protest Bopaiah remaining in his post in spite of the apex court restoring the membership of the 16 lawmakers -- 11 of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and five independents.The main opposition in the state, the Congress, has also demanded Bopaiah's resignation. The party may take a decision on whether to attend the session or not on Thursday.Bopaiah said their demand "is not justified as there are no strictures against me".The 16 legislators rebelled against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, reducing his ministry to a minority in the assembly. Ahead of a trust vote sought by Yeddyurappa Oct 11, the 16 were disqualified.Bopaiah appealed to JD-S to attend the session as it is to pass the state budget.