Pandemonium in Delhi Assembly over Somnath Bharti

A chaotic situation prevailed in Delhi Assembly today as BJP MLAs trooped into the well of the House demanding resignation of Law Minister Somnath Bharti over the issue of midnight raid against African women, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings twice.

As the House met, the BJP legislators objected to the Speaker's reference of "special session" to the proceedings in his introductory address. They demanded that he call it the budget session.

The four-day assembly session, which began today, has been called for passage of contentious anti-corruption legislation Jan Lokpal Bill and Swaraj Bills by Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Government.

The BJP also gave a Calling Attention notice against the Law Minister. The notice was read out by Speaker M S Dhir following which Bharti's comments were sought.

The Speaker told BJP members that his ruling would be given after getting Bharti's response. However, all BJP MLAs started protesting against Bharti and trooped into the well of the House.

Congress MLAs were also seen supporting BJP members' demand of Bharti's resignation.

R P Singh, BJP MLA from Rajinder Nagar constituency, tore some papers and threw them towards Bharti. Amid shouting of slogans by BJP MLAs, the House was adjourned for 20 minutes by the Speaker.

However, when the business resumed in the Assembly, Congress MLAs trooped into the well of the House and shouted slogans against Bharti. They were carrying placards accusing Bharti of fuelling racism in the city.

Following uproarious scenes, the House was again adjourned for 20 minutes.

Somnath Bharti has been in the eye of the storm for carrying out controversial midnight raid last month in South Delhi's Khirki Extension area alleging drug trafficking and sex racket by some of African nationals living there.