BJP stalls Assembly as Congress backs Chauhan

Putting their weight behind public works department minister Rajkumar Chauhan, Congress legislators on Monday said Chauhan's offence did not merit sacking. In the meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), all the legislators defended the minister for his actions.

Putting their weight behind public works department minister Rajkumar Chauhan, Congress legislators on Monday said Chauhan's offence did not merit sacking. In the meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP), all the legislators defended the minister for his actions.

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Toeing the same line that the minister took while justifying his actions in the court of the Lokayukta, the legislators said they are often approached by people and being public representatives, they speak to officials in various departments.

Supporting the minister, the legislators reportedly asked CM Sheila Dikshit to ignore the Lokayukta's recommendations.

Holding Chauhan guilty of “misconduct” of a “grave nature” — when he allegedly tried to influence a team of value added tax officials raiding a well known resort in south Delhi in February 2010 — Delhi Lokayukta had recently recommended that President of India “withdraw her pleasure” for the minister to continue in office, as he “misused” his official position.

Meanwhile, demanding removal of Chauhan, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators disrupted proceedings in the Delhi assembly on the opening day of the budget session on Tuesday.

“The minister must be sacked forthwith, as he has been found guilty of misconduct of a serious nature by the Lokayukta,” said Vijay Kumar Malhotra, leader of the Opposition.

Malhotra later said his party will move a “censure motion” in the Assembly against Chauhan.

Meanwhile, Dikshit said, “The Lokyakta has sent the recommendations to the President. It is unfortunate that the Assembly is not being allowed to function.”