Oppn protest over power crisis

  • 13/03/2008

  • Central Chronicle

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday witnessed protest by members of entire Opposition showing electronic lamps. Later, the Congress, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the Samajwadi Party, the BSP staged a walkout showing unhappiness with Energy Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar's reply to question of Arjun Paliya. The Opposition members raised the issue of pathetic power scenario that has gripped several parts of the State. The Opposition members raised the issue with the completion of Question Hour session. Members including Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi stood in the House while holding battery operated lamps. The Congress members raised slogans against the Government for the crippling power scenario in the State and reached well of the House. To this, Speaker Ishawar Das Rohani objected and commented 'the House doesn't allow to use objects in lodging protests'. The Speaker termed the protest as 'unconstitutional'. Even then, Opposition members continued their protest, raising slogans and showed lighted electronic lamps to the Ministers and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. For more then 10 minutes, the House witnessed noisy scenes. Later, entire members of the State Assembly staged a walkout from the House by raising slogans. Energy Minister Gauri Shankar Shejwar expressed fear that a similar incident that happened in Berasia on Tuesday could be repeated by the members of Opposition. The Opposition members objected to Minister's charge. Meanwhile, Speaker pacified the matter and told the Assembly to listen to Chief Minister who wants to address something to the House. Addressing the House, Chief Minister said I object to such form of protests by the members against the State's power situation. My Government is not going to spare members of the Opposition who will try to set afire electricity offices. Congress MLA Arif Aqueel countered Chouhan's statement. Pacifying in between, Speaker allowed one minute time to Arif Aqeel to speak about the issue. But the ruling members and Ministers didn't allow Aqueel to speak.