The debate on the shortage of urea generated heat in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, with a heated exchange between BJP leader C.N. Ashwath Narayan and Senior Minister K.J. George, as well as Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, leading to an adjournment of the House for some time.

The trouble began when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad, speaking about the urea shortage, mentioned figures related to the supply situation. While Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy took exception, Mr. Ashwath Narayan came to the defence of Mr. Bellad. Senior Minister K.J. George intervened and accused the BJP of always depending upon lies.

Mr. Ashwath Narayan shot back by telling Mr. George that he always struggled to reply to subjects like smart meters that are part of his own portfolio. Angered by this, Mr. George said there was a law and a court, referring to him taking legal recourse with respect to the controversy over the procurement of smart meters.

As the war of words escalated, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intervened and unleashed an attack, referring to Mr. Ashwath Narayan in the singular and calling him “father of corruption.” Mr. Ashwath Narayan launched a counter-attack, saying, “The entire world knows who is the father of corruption.”

As the situation appeared to be getting out of hand, Mr. Appaji Nadagouda, who was in the Speaker’s chair, adjourned the House for some time.

When the House reassembled, Speaker U.T. Khader appealed to the members to introspect on their behaviour. On his part, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked the members to desist from using singular references and indulging in personal attacks.

Mr. Shivakumar said he considered Mr. George as his leader, and hence keeping quiet when he was being attacked was not appropriate.