UP opposition holds 'parallel' assembly proceedings

In a show of solidarity for each other and opposition to the Uttar Pradesh government, the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress and Rashtriya Lok Dal legislators held a separate 'symbolic' assembly session in the Central Hall here on Monday.

Protesting for the third day against blatant intimidation by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the legislators paid rich tributes to the late BJP legislator Mathura Prasad Pal, who passed away last week.

The opposition then adjourned the House till July 26.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ram Govind Chowdhary said this decision to hold a separate sitting of the House was their way of protesting against the government.

He said the opposition parties will not participate in the proceedings of the House on Monday as well.

The opposition has named BSP's Lalji Verma as the Speaker. Ajay Kumar Lallu of the Congress was made the leader of the House.

Opposition lawmakers also pointed out that this was not a mock House but a serious way to protest against the arm twisting by the state government, which they alleged, did not believe in democratic values and parliamentary proceedings.

Yogi Adityanath had incensed the opposition last week when in a speech on the floor of the House he not only rebutted the charges of poor law and order under the BJP regime but had also leveled serious charges against the previous government, even accusing it of patronising and protecting criminals, hooch traders.

The Chief Minister had also warned the opposition that if he opened his mouth, they would scurry for cover so it was better that they do not level baseless and unsubstantiated charges.

--IANS

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