Punjab Cong MLAs to continue protest till Wednesday

This, despite attempts by chief minister P S Badal to make peace

Agitated over not being allowed to speak in the assembly, Punjab Congress lawmakers will continue with their protest in the house till Wednesday despite attempts by chief minister P S Badal to make peace. Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi said on Tuesday that the sit in that started Monday evening would continue till Wednesday creating history of sorts.

Rejecting an appeal made by chief minister to vacate the house, Channi said Badal approached them without any concrete proposal. "It was just a political stunt, a mere photo opportunity. The CM came with anofficial photographer but without any proposal on the discussion on the currentissues regarding the state," said Channi. Congress wants to have a discussion on the current issues in Punjab on Wednesday and is pressing for immediate arrest of deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and state minister Bikramjit Majithia for their alleged involvement in the illegal mining and drug trade.

ThePunjab Congress had lodged a complaint with the DGP Punjab on Monday.The Congress lawmakers are alleging that the state government deliberately scuttled a debate on a no-confidence motion initiated by Channi in the house on Monday. "The treasury benches started the ruckus the moment I uttered my first sentence referring to the loot being committed by the Badal family," said Channi.

He condemned the authorities for not allowing senior party MLAs from entering the assembly on Tuesday morning saying it violated their democratic rights.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh and AICC General Secretary in charge of the state Asha Kumari are in touch with the lawmakers.