The Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly began on a stormy note with three MLAs of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marshalled out by the Speaker Ram Niwas Goel for disturbing the House proceedings over a recent controversial resolution on former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Soon after House proceedings started, Sirsa moved a notice for the “removal of Speaker Ram Niwas Goel” over alleged “changes in recent resolution” moved by a ruling party MLA demanding stripping former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of Bharat Ratna.
Turning down his request, Speaker said that he cannot accept it as such a notice has to be given 14 days in advance as per the rules. Sirsa came into the Well after his request was rejected. Despite several request made by Speaker, he did not move to his seat, prompting Goel to order the BJP legislator be marshalled out.
Sirsa refused to leave the house and had scuffle with marshals. He was later forcefully removed during 15 minutes adjournment.
As soon as house proceeding reassembled again, many of the MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) including Saurabh Bhardwaj accused Sirsa of “manhandling” and “abusing” the marshals. They demanded strict action against Sirsa for creating “drama” in the Assembly. Accepting the request, Speaker referred the matter to Privileges Committee for further probe.
Bhardwaj also questioned intention of marshals and said that instead of taking him (Sirsa) out, they keep requesting him to go out. “The marshals were also being lenient towards him and they should have listened to the Speaker. Sirsa assaulted the marshals and prevented them from doing their work. He had deliberately inserted his foot inside a chair and when the marshals were close to freeing it, he started shouting ‘don’t take off my turban’.
He also said that Sirsa was trying to create pressure on the Assembly and the police by using religion. He should be suspended for at least two sessions,” Bhardwaj said.
Sirsa was seen holding the chair by hands and deliberately putting his leg inside the chair to avoid being marshalled out. Later, he alleged that he was manhandled and his turban was forcefully removed during the adjournment in the House.
The Speaker then suspended Opposition Leader Vijender Gupta, Sirsa and BJP MLA Jagdish Pradhan for the day from the House proceedings.