What Caused the Chaos in MP Assembly Over Minister Vijay Shah?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Repeated disruptions in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly led to multiple adjournments.
- Minister Vijay Shah's remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi incited protests.
- Congress MLAs are actively demanding Shah's resignation.
- The Speaker's directive against protests has sparked criticism.
- Increased legislative engagement reflects pressing public concerns.
Bhopal, Aug 1 (NationPress) The fifth day of the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly was disrupted multiple times, leading Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar to adjourn the proceedings twice — initially for ten minutes and subsequently for half an hour — before concluding the House's session until August 4.
The turmoil began shortly after the session started, as the tribal affairs minister Vijay Shah appeared to address departmental inquiries. His recent controversial comments regarding Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi have incited significant backlash and legal examination. Shah's arrival incited loud protests from Congress MLAs, who shouted slogans demanding his resignation.
The situation escalated into a fierce exchange between the Treasury and Opposition benches. Speaker Tomar made efforts to restore calm but was forced to temporarily adjourn the House. Outside the chamber, Congress legislators persisted with their protests, chanting slogans within the Assembly grounds.
Upon resuming after lunch, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar reignited calls for Shah’s resignation. In response, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya made a provocative remark, questioning the Opposition’s integrity by comparing their language to “the rhetoric of Pakistan” — a statement that further heightened tensions.
Despite the chaos, Speaker Tomar initiated discussions on attention motions. BJP MLA Bhupendra Singh raised issues regarding encroachment on government land in Malthon, Khurai (Sagar district), yet the session remained tumultuous.
Earlier, Congress MLAs had staged protests concerning fertilizer supply shortages, a persistent issue affecting farmers in the state. This matter is part of a broader strategy by the Opposition to challenge the government on agricultural distress, inflation, and lack of transparency during the 12-day Monsoon Session, which commenced on July 28 and will continue until August 8.
During this session, the Assembly Secretariat has received over 3,000 questions and 226 call attention motions, indicating increased legislative activity. However, the Speaker’s new directive prohibiting symbolic protests and sloganeering within the Assembly has faced criticism from Opposition parties, accusing the government of suppressing dissent.