Manipur opposition walks out in protest against disqualification ruling

The opposition Congress walked out of the Manipur Assembly on Tuesday protesting against Speaker Y. Khemchand's ruling on its demand to disqualify Forest Minister T. Shyamkumar who had joined BJP after being elected on a Congress ticket.

Congress MLA A. Mirabai said that she was not satisfied with the Speaker's ruling on Monday on her demand for the disqualification of Shyamkumar and also sought to know under what rules she was given the answer.

She also drew the attention of the Speaker to the frequent disconnection of the microphones of the opposition members while they are speaking.

Making an oblique reference to Khemchand's impromptu press conference on Monday to clarify his ruling, Mirabai said that while the assembly is in session, members do not, as a matter of convention, speak to press or make announcements outside the House.

Her stand was supported by several opposition members and triggered heated exchange of barbs between the ruling and opposition members.

At one stage, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh suggested the matter be sorted out in the Speaker's chamber.

The Speaker's ruling that as the matter had gone to a proper forum it was not proper to discuss it in the assembly did not satisfy the opposition members and they continued to protest.

In view of the pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the Assembly for one hour. The Opposition Congress members shouted that it was "unconstitutional" and walked out of the house.

--IANS

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