The proceedings of the Chhattisgarh Assembly were stalled during the question hour on Monday as Opposition Congress members flashed newspaper cuttings and demanded resignation from Food and Civil Supplies Minister Punnulal Mohle besides a CBI probe into the alleged corruption in his Department.
Congress members demanded suspension of the question hour to hold discussion on the issue. They continued with their demand in the zero hour and eventually staged a walkout for the day when Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal did not entertain their plea. They staged a dharna under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the premises of the Chhattisgarh Assembly.
With the commencement of the question hour, leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo and other members of Congress flashed newspaper cutting containing reports on a ‘sting operation’ related to the alleged corruption in Food and Civil Supplies Department. The Speaker raised objection and said that this was against the conduct of the House. But the Congress members raised slogans demanding resignation of Mohle and also demanded a CBI probe.
later the first question was taken up in the House but the second question was not raised by members despite call by the Speaker. Singhdeo again requested the Speaker to allow discussion on the issue. The Congress members supported the demand and resorted to raising slogans. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar raised objection while Congress members tried to convince the Speaker on the gravity of the issue. Speaker said that Congress members will get enough time for discussion and they should not disturb the Question Hour.
Singhdeo once again tried to speak when Chandrakar raised objection. Congress members intensified the slogans and soon members of Treasury bench shouted counter slogans while forcing the Speaker to intervene. On the permission of the Speaker, Singhdeo began to speak but Chandrakar made some remarks. Once again slogans echoed in the House which was adjourned for five minutes at 11.18 am.
Congress member Dhandendra Sahu requested the Speaker to hold discussion on the issue and said that the Ministers present in the House should announce for a CBI probe. The Speaker said that a notice should have been given in advance for discussion on the issue as per rules. BJP member Shivratan Sharma requested for a censure motion on another issue and Congress members took strong objection and once again raised slogans. They continued their demand in the Zero Hour also but Speaker rejected their plea. The Congress members eventually staged a walkout and sat on dharna under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.