Punjab Congress legislators on Thursday alleged the Vidhan Sabha Speaker of ‘throttling the Opposition’s voice’ by adopting a ‘partial’ attitude. In fact, the two independent MlAs — Simarjit Singh Bains from Atma Nagar and Balwinder Singh Bains from ludhiana South — staged a walkout against the same, which was supported by the Congress legislators.
The Opposition members alleged the Speaker of not giving them enough time and even turn to speak. The Congress also objected the Speaker's move to grant "extension" to the important questions raised during the question hour to save the Government from embarrassment. Speaker Atwal, in all, granted extension to four questions raised by the Congress MlAs including regarding Punjab progressive summit, issuance of blue cards, and funds released for Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Beant Singh memorial.
"The Government is running way from the question hour. Whenever any uncomfortable question comes, you grant extension," Congress legislative Party (ClP) leader Sunil Jakhar registered his protest with the Speaker.
Minutes later, Simrajit Bains protested against Speaker for ignoring him while he was making efforts to put a supplementary on a question asked by Congress MlA Raj Kumar Verka during question hour. Just as Speaker called other legislator's name, he started shouting slogans by raising his hands and sat on the floor. He was soon joined by his elder brother Balwinder Bains. Their point was also supported by the Congress MlAs.
"Every one should get a chance to speak," said Jakhar. Shouting slogans, Bains brothers rushed into the well of the House, and staged a sit-in raising slogans against the Speaker. They were joined by Congress legislators.