BJP MLA Sparks Controversy by Tearing Paper in Jharkhand Assembly
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Synopsis
On March 19, during the Budget session in Jharkhand Assembly, BJP MLA Kushwaha Shashi Bhushan Mehta protested by tearing a question paper, accusing Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato of bias. The incident escalated tension, resulting in criticism from other members. The session is expected to conclude on March 27.
Key Takeaways
- Incident occurred during Question Hour.
- MLA accused Speaker of bias.
- Speaker condemned MLA's actions.
- Calls for decorum were made by other members.
- Budget Session concludes on March 27.
Ranchi, March 19 (NationPress) A dramatic incident unfolded on the 13th day of the Budget session in the Jharkhand Assembly on Wednesday when BJP MLA from Panki, Kushwaha Shashi Bhushan Mehta, ripped apart a question paper in protest.
He accused Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato of showing favoritism and preventing him from voicing his concerns.
This action led to a tense atmosphere in the House for approximately 10 minutes. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the MLA's behavior, the Speaker stated: "Your behavior is not suitable."
The incident transpired during the Question Hour when members were delivering their inquiries. When it was Mehta's chance to speak, he hesitated momentarily while reviewing his question. Assuming the pause indicated he had finished, Speaker Mahato declared the question concluded. This led Mehta to charge the Speaker with bias.
"Why do you remain seated since noon if I am not permitted to read my question?" Mehta questioned angrily.
In reply, the Speaker invited him to restate his question, adding: "If you want to make further accusations against the Chair, feel free."
Mehta, visibly upset, tore the question paper and tossed it in the House, escalating the tension further.
Addressing the Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, the Speaker remarked: "Observe how your members are acting. Such conduct before the Chair is intolerable."
Marandi tried to smooth over the situation by calling it a misunderstanding. "Shashi Bhushan Mehta hesitated while reading, and you assumed he was done. Such events occur," he explained.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore also criticized the BJP MLA’s conduct. "According to the rules, questions should not exceed 50 words, yet we permit longer queries. Such behavior is unacceptable in the House," he noted.
He urged both ruling and opposition parties to uphold decorum within the House.
The Budget Session of the Jharkhand Assembly is set to conclude on March 27.
