The Government as well as the Opposition locked horns over reported 'cash-for-question' barbs made by Agriculture Minister Randhir Singh against MlAs a few days back.
The Opposition MlAs and leader of Opposition Hemant Soren hit back at the Minister and the State Government for tarnishing image of MlAs by going public on issues raised on the Floor of the House.
Soren called the Minister's statement in public as "breach of privilege" and an attempt to taint the dignity of the House even as the leader of Opposition also raised objections to the Chief Minister's remark that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is shedding crocodile tears in the name of welfare of adivasis.
"Dignity of the House is getting torn because of these remarks. What they want to prove by getting such news published in the media. Chief Minister says that we are shedding crocodile tears. A case under SC/ST should be filed against the Agriculture Minister," added Soren.
The JMM and JVM MlAs entered into well of the House to vent their ire against Singh's initial reply to the Opposition's reaction to statement that appeared in a newspaper.
The Agriculture Minister, during a visit to Koderma on February 27, had stated that members of the House act like brokers for raising questions in House. Singh's reaction had come on a matter that reportedly dated in 2009-10 in which an official of the Agriculture department posted in Chatra was accused of siphoning off funds into his account. later, the JMM MlAs, outside the House, demanded resignation from the Agriculture Minister.
"This statement was not just about ruling party or opposition. It was for all MlAs, so it did hurt sentiments of MlAs and dignity of the House. He should have informed the House about the statement made in public but he did not. What is his intentionIJ" added Maheshpur MlA Stephan Marandi.
Nonetheless, the Agriculture Minister shot back with objections to similar remarks and allegations issued against him by opposition parties, especially the leader of Opposition. Although the Minister agreed to offer explanations over remarks of cash for question, he nudged the Opposition to offer explanation over allegations slapped against him. Continued on Page 2
As passion ran high in the House, CM Raghubar Das chipped in the verbal volley between the Agriculture Minister and Opposition parties to mellow down the tense atmosphere. Das sought to downplay the demands of discussion in the House on whatever is said in public. "Outside the House, people say that this government is involved in corruption…is against adivasis and moolwasis. Personal allegations should not be made and it should not be raised in the House without valid proof," asserted Das.
Meanwhile, as the dust settled down, the House discussed project report of department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare for the year 2016-17 and passed budget of Rs 30,49,67,19,000 for the next financial year.