Disruptions in Jharkhand Assembly over domicile policy, land ordinance

The Jharkhand assembly witnessed disruptions for the third consecutive day on Wednesday over the controversial domicile policy, the ordinance to amend two land acts and other issues.

Speaker Dinesh Oraon had called an all-party meeting at 10.30 am on Wednesday to resolve the stalemate, but it did not yield any result.

The opposition MLAS brought four adjournment motions on issues including the ordinance sent to the President to make changes in two land acts -- the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act -- besides the domicile policy which has been notified by the state government.

The opposition members wanted to discuss the issues and postpone Question Hour.

All the adjournment motions were rejected by the Speaker.

"A wrong method has been adopted to disrupt the Question Hour by bringing the adjournment motions," the Speaker said.

Leader of Opposition Hemant Soren said: "We are not here just to pass the budget proposed by the government. There are many serious issues that need to be addressed. The ordinance sent to the President is a cause of concern. The domicile policy is against people of the state. We cannot be silent."

Opposition MLAs trooped to the Well of the House and raised slogans, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house till 12.30 pm.

When the House reassembled at 12.30 pm, the opposition members again trooped to the well of the house, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house till 2 pm.

Talking to reporters, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Saryu Rai said the opposition parties have a right to raise questions but they cannot dictate terms.

--IANS

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