War of words between minister and MLC

Dharwad: A heated exchange took place between minister Santosh Lad and Congress MLC FH Jakkappanavar during the KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) review meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Dharwad on Monday.The confrontation erupted after Jakkappanavar alleged that scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) communities were being neglected in Dharwad district. He claimed that the interests of SC/ST communities were being ignored and said he was raising his voice in their support.Jakkappanavar further argued that he was not being given an opportunity to speak during the meeting. Responding to this, minister Santosh Lad who was chairing the meeting maintained that everyone was being given a chance to speak and said there was no need for arguments.As the verbal duel intensified, Jakkappanavar said he would walk out of the meeting. In response, Lad remarked that if he wished to leave, he could do so, clarifying later that he had not asked him to walk out but that he was free to leave if he felt so.The argument reportedly centred around discussions related to the social welfare department.Officials and other political leaders present at the meeting intervened and mediated between the two leaders, eventually bringing the situation under control.