Shimla, March 4
All 20 members of Opposition Congress party on Thursday abstained from the proceedings of state Assembly as they joined the going on protest and dharna by five Congress MLAs including CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri at the Vidhan Sabha, who were suspended for the entire budget session on Friday last after alleged misconduct on the departure of Governor from Assembly campus.
Meanwhile, all Congress MLAs including veteran Congress member and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh joined the protest and dharna of five suspended MLAs near the Assembly’s main gate after having abstained from the proceedings of the House on Thursday.
The proceeding of Assembly lasted without opposition, Congress. Apart from treasury benches, CPI (M) member Rakesh Singha and two independent members Hoshiyar Singh and Rajinder Rana were present in the house on Thursday, the 5th day of Budget session.
Jai Ram Thakur observed that there are number mistakes in the draft of statement and it was not to be sent to Assembly in that form.
CM JaiRam Thakur stated
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur gave reply to the four day long discussion on the ‘motion of thanks’ on Governor’s Address and said that 18 members took part on the discussion.
Thakur said that ruling party was not expected that opposition members would block the movement of Governor Bandaru Datatrya as he was going to Raj Bhawan on Feb 26.
Defending the government over Governor’s Address, Thakur said Opposition Leader was heard stating in the Assembly that document of Governor’s Address is bunch of lies, however, the Governor did not read the entire address.
He said, “I am witness of incident that leader of opposition Agnihotri pushed ADC (Aide De Camp) of the Governor aside, who was moving out of Assembly campus near the
Governor’s vehicle, which was bearing National Flag, and it should not have been disrespected by opposition leaders.”
Thakur condemned the protest by Congress MLAs before the chair of Deputy Speaker Hans Raj, when house was discussing the Governor’s Address.
” I am ready to view the CCTV footage of Assembly sitting with media to make it clear as how opposition members tried to take the law and order in their hands.” Chief Minister remarked.
What did former CM Virbhdra state
On the other hand, former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, while he was with protesting Congress MLAs, remarked that the stalemate could have been solved in 10 minutes. He said that Chief Minister should have sought his advice, if he wanted peace and cordial relations with opposition.
