Legislative council, he said, has become 'a major drain on the scarce resources of the state'.

The purpose to have the upper house of the legislature has been 'violated with impunity by successive governments to suit their own political interests and the members are elected and nominated solely on political considerations', he said.

'The legislative councils have turned out to be rehabilitation centres for defeated politicians.'

According to the NPP leader, the annual expenditure, including salaries, allowances, security, and discretionary grants for the council members, exceed Rs.100 crore.