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| Chaos in Assembly: NC, PDP MLAs trade charges | | * PDP announces boycott from budget session; BJP, JKNPP, JSM support the demand of security restoration to ex-MLA | |
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Mar 29: It was yet another day when the united and vociferous Opposition launched a combined offensive against the National Conference led coalition government in the Legislative Assembly on the issue of withdrawal of security of ex-MLA, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, who is presently Peoples Democratic Party's district president Pulwama.
Since the commencement of the budget session it was for fourth time when the entire Opposition comprising Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) jointly cornered the ruling dispensation, though on different issues.
It was firebrand PDP legislator, Moulvi Iftikhar Ansari who had played a pivotal role in keeping the Opposition strength intact with the legislators of Opposition -irrespective of their political affiliations-demanding immediate restoration of security of ex-MLA and endorsing the cause of the PDP.
The confrontation between the government and Opposition led to chaos and pandemonium in the House which disrupted the House proceedings for 36 minutes during the Question Hour this morning.
Amid compete din, the House also witnessed walk out by the PDP legislators, who later announced to boycott the remaining session in protest against the government's "vindictive" attitude and Chief Minister's "non-seriousness" in the Legislative Assembly. The House also witnessed high-voltage drama with the members of ruling and Opposition parties trading charges against each other.
The most interesting aspect was that the vociferous opposition today did not resort to spree of walkouts to force the government to come out with a reply.
The trouble erupted at the very outset of the question hour when Abdul Rehman Veeri, senior PDP member once again raised the issue of security withdrawal of ex-MLA and said that despite the Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone's directions, the security has not been restored which was "ruthless" on the part of the government.
The Speaker responded, "What sort of security you are asking for? Is it for you or the senior police officer to decide whether this man or that man should be provided security? I will not go by the threats. Tell me the norms………"
Ansari said, "We are not begging for the security to the ex-MLA. My simple question is if the former MLA was given the security cover, why his security was withdrawn?"
Sharing the concern with the PDP MLA, Chaman Lal Gupta, Leader of BJP Legislature Party charged, "It was a politically motivated decision and there was no logic to withdraw the security of former MLA."
Harsh Dev Singh, "Being the custodian of this House, we hope that you will do justice with us. If the security to a former MLA was provided on identical manner as being provided to others, why security of that particular ex-MLA was withdrawn?"
Though the Speaker tried to pacify the agitated members saying "I have directed the ADG (CID) to reconsider the decision, Let the report come," yet it failed to bring normalcy in the House.
Moulvi Ansari said, "Only few days are left when the budget session would conclude. Agar House Adjourn Ho Jayega To Hum Kaha Road Par Jayege (If the House gets adjourned, where we will go to get justice?)"
"Uski Khata Kaya Thi Ki Woh National Conference Chod Kar PDP Main Shaamil Ho Gaya Tha (His only crime was that he left the National Conference and joined the PDP). The government must restore his security without any delay," Ansari asserted.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs reacted to the remarks of the Ansari and said, "What you are talking about? You were also in the National Conference but your security has not been withdrawn."
Soon after the remarks of the Sagar, a verbal duel broke out in the House with Ansari daring the Minister to withdraw his security also.
"Aap Security Withdraw Kar Lijye. Aap Ne Meri Security Isliye Nahi Withdraw Ki Kayunki Main Do Bar Maut Ke Moouh Se Nikla Hoon. Main Kuch Batoyon Se Parda Nahi Hatana Chahta (If you want to withdraw my security, withdraw it. So far you have not withdrawn my security because I had two miraculous escapes of my life. I don't want to expose certain things)."
Ansari further remarked, "Aap To Badshah Hai. Aap Dehli Darbar Ke Raja Hai (You are a king)."
The Speaker said, "Moulana Sahib, I have great regards for those who contested the elections despite the militants threats. Aap Kis Security Ki Baat Karte Hai. Kisko Kitni Security Chahiye Dekhna Padta Hai. Hum Yaha Par Aish Karne Ke Liye Nahi Hai. Pehle Hume Gadi Chahiye, Phir Petrol Phir PSO. Logo Ke Khun Par Aish Kar Rahe Hai. Unki Paise Ka Misuse Kar Rahe Hai. Aap State Exchequer Ko Drain Karna Chahte Hai. Hum Yaha Ki Kidhmat Ke Liye Hai Aish Karne Ke Liye Nahi."
The Speaker's comments virtually added to the situation with all PDP members were on their feet.
Ansari shouted, "We are not draining the state exchequer. Aap Apne Chief Minister Ke Aish Ko Dekhiye Aur Baki 28 Riyasto Ke Chief Ministers Ko Bhi Dekhiye. Agar Aap Kehte Hai To Mein Apni Security Abhi Surrender Kar Dunga (Compare the luxuries and comforts of your Chief Ministers with 28 other states' Chief Ministers of the country. If you ask me I would surrender my security). "
Jammu State Morcha (JSM) MLA from Bishnah, Ashwani Kumar Sharma said, "We are ready to surrender our security and vehicles. You should also see how many former MLAs and other political leaders have been provided security and vehicles and on what grounds they have been enjoying it."
Welcoming the suggestion of the JSM MLA, the Speaker said, "You have made a good suggestion and we will bring a complete list of all political leaders who have been provided security and vehicles. We will also see how many are still under terror threats."
Not satisfied with the Speaker's decision, the PDP MLA, Abdul Rehman Veeri said, "It is conspiracy and the security withdrawal of PDP leader was a politically motivated move."
The Speaker said, "Mein Gareeb Ki Baat Karta Hoon Hakumat Ki Nahi. Aap Un Logo Ko Dekhiye Jinko Do Waqt Ka Khana Nasib Nahi Hota. Aap Ne Bachan Liya Hai Logo Ke Sewa Ka (I am talking about poor man and not government. You should think about those people who are still not in a position to earn two times meal in a day. You have taken the oath to serve the people."
Another PDP legislator, Syed Basharat Bukhari remarked, "Let us resolve that we will surrender the security. The House should resolve that the MLAs would surrender their security."
Pinched by the remarks of the Speaker, Chaman Lal Gupta said, "Jaise Ki Aap Ne Kaha Hai Ke Hum Garib Logo Ke Khoon Se Gadiya Chala Rahe Hai. You have virtually injured our sentiments. Humara BJP Ka Koi Bhi MLA Kal Se Security Nahi Lega Aur Woh Kal Se Bina Security Ke Chalege (As you said we are driving our vehicles with the blood of poor people, all the BJP MLAs would surrender their security and they would move without any security cover from tomorrow."
He further charged, "National Conference workers have been provided vehicles and security while the deserving people are still depriving of it. Though the entire House has showed its concern over the withdrawal of security of former MLA, yet the government has not taken it seriously.
The Speaker said, "I have included myself in this category before you."
Ansari intervened and said, "Aap Ne Iss Issue Ko Dusri Taraf Fhela Diya Hai. Aapne Status Report Mangi Thi Woh Abhi Tak Nahi Aayi. Hum Pucch Rahe The Ke Us MLA Ki Security Kayon Withdraw Ki Gayi Jab Usko Kai Salo Se Security Thi (You have taken the issue in different way. You have sought the status report on the security withdrawal of former MLA which has not been given to you. If the former MLA was provided security for years' together, why his security was withdrawn?)"
Another PDP MLA, Rafi Ahmed Mir said, "It is unfortunate that despite your directions the MLA has not been provided security. It is almost three days since the ex-MLA has been moving without any security cover. In case of any misfortune with him the onus would lies on the government."
Speaker said, "We are here to serve the people of the State. Some MLAs and political leaders have been allotted four accommodations which is a huge burden on the State exchequer. Should I take the name of the leaders of this side or that side, who have been enjoying four accommodations? It is the money of poor people……….. Yeh Allah Miyan Ki Lathi Hai, Upper Jawab Dena Ho."
At this point of time, the Speaker assured the agitating members of the PDP that he would provide the security to the former MLA but it also failed to settle down the situation.
Ansari while taking a dig at the Speaker said, "If don't mind, Mein Yeh Kehna Chahta Hoon Ke Aap NC Ke Tarjumani Kar Rahe Hai. Aap Insaaf Kare Iss Chair Ke Saath (If don't mind, I want to say you are favouring the National Conference. Do justice with this Chair). Despite your repeated directions, the security to the ex-MLA has not been restored. The ruling party had even provided security and vehicles to its servants.
The PDP member's assertion brought the Speaker's ire, who said that he has not been dictated and governed by the treasury benches. "If you feel it, it is your personal perception. I will not hesitate to resign from this Chair, if I get biased. The question does not arise………….." the speaker remarked.
In the meantime, the furious Sagar while pointing towards Ansari stood up from his seat and started reading a paper regarding government's stand on the issue.
Ansari shouted, "We will not listen to you. Where is the Chief Minister?" It led to verbal spat between Opposition and ruling members with Sagar shouting "Zada Mat Chilaiye. What Chief Minister?"
While the Sagar was reading the reply, the PDP members created ruckus and alleged that the Minister was misleading the House.
The literally red-faced Veeri moved towards the front row and said, "I confirmed this on the floor of the House that it was a politically motivated move."
Sagar contested the remarks saying, "Aap Check Karva Lijeye (You can check it)."
The aggressive Ansari said, "Aap Andar Kuch Kehte Hai Aur Bahar Kuch Aur. (You have making different statements, inside as well as outside the House).
Sagar, who also got furious, shouted, "Aap Shayad Bhul Gaye Ki Ghulam Nabi Lone Ke Bete Ne on the floor of the House Kaha Tha Ki Uske Bap Ko Marvane Main PDP Ka Hath Hai. (You might have forgotten that the son of the Ghulam Nabi Lone had charged the PDP was behind his father's assassination."
Ansari retorted, "He was killed in terrorists attack and we had never withdrawn his security. There is still an FIR lodged at police station Tangmarg which was registered by Sheikh Mustafa Kamal against your one of the cabinet minister alleging he was behind murderous attack on him. Aap Parda Mat Uthaiye (Don't raise the curtain)."
Rafi Mir said, "The Minister is misleading the House. They have been saying that the government had reviewed the security on December 23 but the decision was totally discriminatory as the security was withdrawn on February 18 evening when the former MLA had protested against the Chief Minister. It is a concocted story."
Later, all the members moved towards the well and raised anti-government slogans. The ruckus created by the PDP members disrupted the House proceedings for about 36 minutes.
In a last bid to pacify the agitating members, the Speaker assured that he would seek the detail of all ex-MLA who have been provided security and the government would submit this report till tomorrow."
However, the PDP members accompanied by party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed walked out from the House at 10:36 a.m.
BJP, JKNPP accuse Ministers of 'usurping' their domains
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Mar 29: The ruling coalition government today had a tough time in the Lower House of State Legislature when the legislators of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) accusing it of executing "financial irregularities" and "usurping" their respective domains.
Soon after the high-voltage drama enacted by the main Opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the withdrawal of security of an ex-MLA, it was the turn of the JKNPP and BJP to corner the coalition government. The legislators of both the parties also staged a walkout from the House at the fag end of the Question Hour.
It all began when the Minister In charge Planning, Dr Manohar Lal was replying a question of Engineer Abdul Rashid regarding state constituency-wise the details of funds released under the State Sector with special reference to Langate constituency during the year 2009-10.
Raising a supplementary to a question, Harsh Dev Singh, Leader of Panthers Legislature Party accused the Minister of releasing funds three days prior to commencement of next fiscal year.
"In your Billawar area, people have been facing several problems. You must concentrate on these issues instead of interfering in the functioning of other legislators' constituencies," Harsh advised the Minister.
The JKNPP leader further charged, "The Minister had released Rs four lakh for a project in my constituency that too, three days prior to beginning of next financial year. We will not tolerate this kind of financial irregularities."
"Rather Sahib Aap Hamesha zero tolerance to financial irregularities Ki Baat Karte hai, Kaya Yeh Financial Irregularity Nahi Hai. Aap Kaya Action Lege Apne Mantri Ke Khilaf (Rather Sahib you always talk about financial irregularities. Is it not a financial irregularity? What action you would initiate action your Minister?" the furious JKNPP leader asked.
Describing it as "fraudulent" and "interference" into other's constituencies, Harsh joined by Balwant Singh Mankotia and Yash Pal Kundal entered the Well of the House and raised slogans against the government.
The Speaker, Mohammad Akbar Lone asked "Let us hear him. What he has to say."
The Minister denied all such accusations and maintained, "If the funds have been released they might be released through District Development Board (DDB). We have not released the funds at our own level."
The JKNPP members further shouted, "The Ministers have been ignoring the elected representatives while releasing funds in their respective constituencies."
Taking cognizance of the assertions made by the member, the Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone once again asked the state government to involve MLAs in developmental activities in their respective constituencies.
He also said that MLAs should be involved in implementation of decisions taken by the District Development Board in their constituencies.
Raising his concern vociferously, Mankotia shouted, "Aab Had Ho Gai Hai (They have crossed all limits).
Intervening, the Speaker directed the Minister that if any money is released for the initiation of new work three days prior to commencement of new fiscal year, the amount would not be utilized.
Chaman Lal Gupta remarked, "It has already been seen that the government is not weighing to your directions."
The Speaker's direction could not satisfy the furious JKNPP members who moved towards front row. This time, Minister for Medical Education and Youth Sports, R S Chib was at the target of the Harsh Dev who shouted, "I am on the records of the House saying that the Udhampur has completely been ignored by the ruling government. Yeh Sports Minister Baithe Hai. Yeh Koun Se Work Culture Ki Baat Karte Hai Jab Bhi Inse Baat Karo To Kehte Hai Aapke Paise Mehfooz Hai. Sports Council Ke Paas Hai. Par Release Nahi Karte Hai (Sports Minister is sitting here. What work culture they talked about. Funds are safe and laying with the Sports Council but he doesn't want to release these funds."
In the meantime, Sagar remarked, "Harsh Ji you are a learned man and behave like him," which was immediately retorted by the JKNPP leader saying, "Learned Man Ka Matlab Kaya Aap Jo Maan Mein Aayega Woh Karege."
Mankotia who was also on his feet, shouted, "The government has made the mockery of this House. What is the fun of this House if the elected representatives are being ignored? About Rs 8 crore funds are being executed on the directions of block presidents of the ruling parties."
At this point of time, complete din was prevailing in the House. Later all the three MLAs of NPP staged walkout in protest against the government at 10.23 a.m.
After the walkout of the Panthers Party legislators, the BJP MLA from Nagrota took the charge to launch an offensive against the coalition government.
"Humare MLAs Ki Constituencies Main Inke Haare Huye Candidates Fita (ribbon) Kaat Rahe Hai. (Our MLAs' constituencies, the projects are being inaugurated by the defeated candidates of the ruling partners)," the BJP MLA charged.
He was joined by other party MLAs comprising Durga Dass and Jagdish Raj Sapolia and tried to enter the Well. They also alleged that concerned ministers are not taking the MLAs in confidence while releasing funds for their constituencies.
Raising slogans like, Gunda Gardi Nahi Chalege, Dadagiri Nahi Chalege, Tanashahi Nahi Chelegi, Coalition government Hai Hai etc, they also tore the papers and threw the pieces towards the Speaker.
Jugal shouted, "Yeh Log State Ko Loot Rahe Hai………….."
Later, BJP also walked out of the house at 10.30 am.
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