As the sealing drive started in the city, the Delhi Assembly session began on a grim note with BJP state president Harsh Vardhan moving an adjournment motion to discuss the issue.
Harsh Vardhan said the situation in Delhi was "terrible" and it has been converted into a cantonment. "Traders have been arrested on a large scale reminding us of the dark days of emergency," said the BJP MLA. The Speaker, however, did not allow the motion of the BJP leader. In protest, Harsh Vardhan walked out of the House. He was the lone BJP member as the others have already been expelled for the rest of the session.
Apart from the motion of the BJP state president, there was no other discussion on sealing and the related issues. Routine business was conducted.
Australian team's misbehavior: NCP state president Ramvir Singh Bidhuri condemned the Australian team for their behavior shown to the Union Agriculture Minister and BCCI president Sharad Pawar in Mumbai after the finals of the Champions Trophy. "The behavior is shameful and the House should condemn it and demand an apology," said Bidhuri. The motion of Bidhuri was supported by Deputy Speaker Shoaib Iqbal who said Australia should not be allowed to play in India unless they offer an unconditional apology. Several Congress MLAs supported Bidhuri on the issue.
Replying to Bidhuri's motion, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said what happened was indeed shameful. "The entire House is concerned," said Dikshit, adding, "we condemn this". Dikshit, however, added that Australian cricket officials have already initiated an inquiry and we should welcome the move as they realise their mistake.
{{/usCountry}}Replying to Bidhuri's motion, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said what happened was indeed shameful. "The entire House is concerned," said Dikshit, adding, "we condemn this". Dikshit, however, added that Australian cricket officials have already initiated an inquiry and we should welcome the move as they realise their mistake.
{{/usCountry}}Conditions in Jail: There was a lighter moment in the House when MLA Brahmpal asked Dikshit what was the definition of a jail. He was asking a supplementary question to Dikshit who is also in-charge of the Home Department. Referring to the conditions prevailing in the city on the sealing issues, the CM said: "The MLA can go to jail himself and experience what the situation is inside". All the legislators broke in laughter hearing the CM's reply. A witty Dikshit soon added: "I invite all the MLAs to go to jail to see the facilities for the prisoners." The CM said the prisoners are given training for some vocation or the other in the jail so that when they come out, they can be gainfully employed. She informed the House that there are 13,451 prisoners lodged in jail at present in Delhi.
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