The State Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes as Opposition BJP and Congress stalled the House proceedings after Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha refused to allow a debate on the issue of nonpayment of dues to the L&T company.
Congress and BJP members trooped into the Well of the House after the Speaker rejected a discussion on the admissibility of an adjournment motion on nonpayment to the L&T, notice for which was given by the BJP.
The Speaker adjourned the House till 4 pm.
The BJP gave the notice for a debate on the admissibility of an adjournment motion on the nonpayment of Rs 20 crore to the L&T by the Works Department which has now gone up to a staggering Rs 120 crore.
Opposition members launched a scathing attack on the State Government over the seizure of Government property by the L&T for nonpayment of dues.
After the Speaker rejected a discussion, BJP and Congress members went into the Well and created ruckus over the issue. The problem began as soon as the House assembled to take up the Question Hour.
Finding it difficult to run the proceedings, the Speaker adjourned the house at 10:32 am till 11:30 am. When the House reassembled, BJP and Congress members again rushed to the Well and demanded a discussion on the issue.
The Speaker said he did not allow a discussion as the Government had stated that it has filed a curative petition in the Supreme Court and the matter is sub-judice.
“A review petition was earlier filed with the Supreme Court in connection with the issue. Hence, as per Rule 60 (VII), a matter which is already sub-judice cannot be debated on the floor of the House,” said Arukha.
Opposition members said that a due of Rs 20 crore, which was not paid to the L&T on time, has gone up to Rs 120 crore including interest.