Himachal Pradesh Assembly was adjourned for the day today due to pandemonium as legislators of opposition BJP demanded discussion on corruption cases against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.
As soon as the House assembled, BJP MLAs Suresh Bhardwaj, Rajeev Bindal and Ravinder Ravi sought discussion on corruption cases against the Chief Minister, saying they have given notice to the Speaker on the issue separately.
But Speaker B B L Butail maintained that the matter is subjudice and cannot be discussed in the House. Following this, BJP MLAs went towards the Speaker's podium and raised slogans against the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs also raised slogans against the Centre's demonetisation move.
Heated exchanges were witnessed as BJP legislators remained adamant on discussion over the issue, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house for 15 minutes.
When the House reassembled, BJP members again raised their demand, insisted on a debate on the issue and shouting slogans disrupting the proceedings. However, this time the Chief Minister was not in the Assembly as he had left for Delhi.
When BJP MLAs refused to relent, Butail adjourned the House for the day.
It is "unfortunate" that Assembly proceedings were disrupted, Butail told mediapersons and indicated that action can be initiated against those who are disrupting the House proceedings deliberately.
The BJP members were demanding debate on corruption cases against the Chief Minister under Rule 67. But only issues of national exigency like natural disaster or war are admitted under this rule and that too when the government fails to respond, the Speaker said.
The five-day Winter session of the Assembly began yesterday.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
