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Himachal assembly monsoon session: Commotion, protests, walkout by Oppn mark 3rd day
The third day of the monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly was marked by commotion, protests, walkout by opposition as the deadlock between the ruling Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued on Monday as well as both sides traded barbs.
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The third day of the monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly was marked by commotion, protests, walkout by opposition as the deadlock between the ruling Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued on Monday as well as both sides traded barbs.
The ruckus broke out as soon as the leader of Opposition (LoP), Jai Ram Thakur, raised the issue of playing the clip of proceedings of August 21 to ascertain the truth behind the CM’s accusation of BJP insulting the national anthem.
“The video clip showing the National Anthem being played on the opening day of the session must be provided to us, so that everyone gets to know the truth. Sentiments of the opposition have been hurt by alleging that the National Anthem has been insulted, hence, we need to verify this,” said Thakur while urging the Speaker to play the clip.
Terming the BJP’s protest as “unreasonable and uncalled for”, assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said, “The session will commence with the National Anthem and conclude with the national song.”
Though he said that the request for the video by BJP legislators was being examined.
As the Speaker ordered the start of the Question Hour, the opposition staged a walkout.
“Respective Vidhan Sabhas have the right to decide when to play the National Anthem and the song, which are equally respected by both the ruling and opposition parties,” said Pathnia while adding that the July 9 circular by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs was received with instructions, which has not been sent to the Vidhan Sabha.
However, the Opposition remained adamant on being provided the video clip of the first day of the session.
No precedent for showing footage: Agnihotri
Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the LoP is the senior most member of the House, so let him cite one instance or convention when a video clip has been played in the House.
Agnihotri said, “There is no parliamentary precedent for sharing such footage. The Speaker also rejected the opposition’s demand. Speaker’s ruling, who has the authority to take the final decision, will be acceptable to all”.
He added, “Congress does not discriminate between the National Anthem and the Vande Mataram song and has respect for both in the same spirit.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said it appears that the Opposition is not in a “mood to let the house run and is creating a conflict between National Anthem and National Song”.
Speaker shielding CM’s lies: Thakur
Jai Ram Thakur launched a scathing attack on chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Speaker.
Speaking to reporters after moving out of the House in protest, Jai Ram stated, “The CM had leveled serious allegations against the opposition regarding the disrespect of the National Anthem in the House. The recording is not being made public because it would not reveal any instance of an opposition MLA disrespecting the National Anthem. He alleged that the video is being withheld to avoid contradicting the CM’s statement”.
Thakur said, “ Instead of exposing the Chief Minister’s allegations, the Speaker is covering up his statement”.
