The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Thursday discussed a notice of breach of privilege presented by Parliamentary Minister Narottam Mishra against leader of Opposition Satyadev Katare and Congress member Bala Bachchan for bringing external objects kamandal, ghanti and saffron cloth (used by saints) inside the House.
The Speaker, after the views presented by different members including the leader of the Opposition, reserved the decision whether the matter be handed over to the Privilege Committee of the House.
Soon after the calling attention notices ended, Mishra told Speaker Sitasharan Sharma that a notice on the breach of privilege was submitted by him and other members and urged him to accept it and initiate a discussion on it.
Sharma said that notices of breach of privilege were submitted by four members Mishra, Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar and members Yashpal Singh Sisodiya and Shailendra Jain. The Speaker read the notice presented by Mishra and sought the opinion of members.
Advocating that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee, Mishra said that Katare brought the objects without approval and Bachchan attempted to table it sans permission. He said that the dignity of the House was lowered by the incident. Katare said that he had obtained permission from the Speaker. However, Sharma said that the Opposition leader had merely informed him and there was difference between informing and obtaining permission.
Shejwar said that the objects could have been used for attacking someone.
He recalled that a notice of breach of privilege was brought against him when he brought certain documents although it were joined in a manner to from a long chain related to alleged irregularities in transfers in 1997.
Meanwhile, the Speaker announced extension of time in view of time for lunch recess until discussion was completed. However, Katare and other opposition members objected to it and went out of the House while the discussion was underway.
Congress member Ramniwas Rawat said that the members against whom the notice of breach of privilege was submitted should have been provided some time to read it. The Speaker assured the full opportunity would be provided.
Transport Minister Bhupendra Singh, Sisodiya and Jain took part in the discussion and advocated that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee.
leader of the Opposition Satyadev Katare told the House that the State government is accountable towards the House, but in the present assembly, the government is making efforts to suppress the voice of the opposition.