Assembly passes 3rd suppl demand of Rs 8983 crore

Bihar Assembly today passed by voice vote the Appropriation Bill 2017 of Rs 8983.50 crore as third supplementary demand amid boycott by BJP-led NDA.
As the House assembled post lunch session at 2 pm, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar rose at his seat and reiterated his demand for sacking of Prohibition, Excise and Registration minister Abdul Jalil Mastan for "undignified" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function to protest demonetisation on February 22 and asking the gathering to hit the PM's photograph with shoes.
With Speaker's permission, the debate on third supplementary demand of Rs 622.52 crore began amid chaos and pandemonium with NDA members rushing into well of the House and raising anti-government slogans to press for their demand.

In order to counter BJP's game plan to stall the House proceedings, ruling Grand Alliance (JD(U), RJD and Congress) members also demanded cancellation of membership of a BJP MLA Lal Babu Prasad Gupta for allegedly using "foul" language against a RJD MLA Faraz Fatmi and his former MP father.
Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary requested the NDA members not to indulge in indecent behaviour and participate in the debate in which he has allotted 39 minutes for BJP where they can put their views effectively.
"Members who create disorder in the House are actually raising the issue of disorder. This is can not be termed as justifiable in any manner," Choudhary said.

With regard to Kumar's allegations of journalists being not allowed to take photographs, Speaker made it clear that he has not issued any such orders.

"The decision to not take photograph of the House proceedings from the press gallery was taken at a meeting of press advisory committee and also that camera persons should not be present on the main entrance of the Assembly portico as it causes inconvenience to the members," Choudhary said.
The Speaker adjourned the House at 2:25 pm to meet again at 4:45 pm.
As the House met, the BJP members again stood up on their seat and shouted slogans before boycotting government's reply on the third supplementary demands.

Education minister Ashok Choudhary gave the reply on behalf of his department in which he outlined the priorities and achievements of the department which is taking steps to provide quality education.
Finance Minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui introduced Bihar Appropriation Bill 2017 which was passed by the voice vote.