In days when bedlam and even violence in state assemblies are becoming a common occurrence, opposition BJP members in Rajasthan chose the 'Gandhian' way of protest.
In days when bedlam and even violence in state assemblies are becoming a common occurrence, opposition BJP members in Rajasthan on Thursday, chose the 'Gandhian' way of protest in the House against non-listing of Question Hour.
All 78 BJP lawmakers led by former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, with white strips covering their mouths, marched from the porch into the House and sat comfortably on their seats.
As the House began on the second day at 1100 hrs, some of the BJP MLAs displayed placards saying 'Do not snatch MLAs' right of speech and MLAs are voice of the people' towards speaker Deependra Shekhawat and the media gallery.
As the opposition benches remained silent, the speaker asked the BJP MLAs to end their "maunvrat" (vow of silence) and raise their voice.
"Question hour was not scheduled due to obituary reference on Thursday, and due to vote on account today," the speaker explained.
CPI-M MLA Amraram said it was "most ridiculous that the Opposition was a mute spectator while the ruling Congress government was running the show".
"Why the ruling Congress government wants to run away from the floor... why Question Hour was not listed in two days of session... why public grievances are not addressed... public woes are not taken up in the House... traditions and rules of the House are being torn to shreds," Amraram, whose party has a strength of three in the Assembly, said.
Parliamentary affairs minister Shanti Dhariwal said if the Opposition wanted an extension of the session, they should have attended yesterday's Business Advisory Committee meeting.
"It was the opposition BJP and CPI-M members who boycotted the Business Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, despite the ruling Congress waiting for them for over one hour," he claimed and accused the BJP of fabricating the protest as it was left with no issues.
BJP members staged a walkout within 14 minutes and the vote on account was passed by the House which was adjourned sine die.
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