The first day of Himachal Pradesh assembly monsoon session witnessed a stormy start with Opposition sloganeering and coming into the well of the house demanding debate on Kinnaur tragedy and relief and rehabilitation works in the state.
As soon as the question hour began, BJP’s chief Suresh Bhardwaj told the Speaker Brij Biharilal Butail that opposition MlAs have moved an adjournment motion under rule 67 of the house for debate on massive Kinnaur tragedy and losses due to rain in other parts of the State.
Bhardwaj views were seconded by Thakur Mahendra Singh and Ravinder Ravi who demanded debate on the issue even as Speaker tried to pacify them, saying that Chief Minister will give a statement in the house on the losses by natural calamity.
Speaker then denied the permission for adjournment motion on technical ground saying that a single notice was received by Vidhan Sabha which was signed by different MlAs instead of separate notices signed by different MlAs.
This resulted in uproar in the house with Opposition MlAs raising slogan against the Government.
BJP MlA Ravinder Ravi said that with due consultation with Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, this notice was forwarded to you.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh intervening amid sloganeering said, “I know you people are very restless and only add to the problems of the State. I have every right to given statement in the house as and when required,”
On this, leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal said that since there was debate on frequent earthquakes in the State under rule 130 of the house, and it is also a natural calamity, so the Speaker can order for debate on floods and earthquake both.
“This could be way out to resolve the stalemate. As per norms once Chief Minister has given his reply on the said topic no debate could be held, therefore both earthquake and floods issues should be clubbed after detailed deliberation, Chief Minister reply should be made,” said Dhumal.
However, the Speaker refused to buy the arguments of Dhumal ordering to start the zero hour which infuriated the opposition MlAs. Opposition MlAs also moved into the well of the house and gheroed the Chief Minister’s chair and shouted slogans demanding debate on the issue.
Amid uproar from BJP MlAs, the Chief Minister gave his statement on the flood situation after which the house was adjourned for Thursday.