Delhi Government Cracks Down on Illegal Meat Sales; Two AAP MLAs Suspended
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Synopsis
On March 27, the Delhi government took action against illegal meat vendors encroaching on pavements, coinciding with the suspension of two AAP MLAs for inappropriate conduct. This decision comes in light of concerns raised by BJP MLAs regarding the upcoming Navratri festival.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi government targets illegal meat sales on pavements.
- Two AAP MLAs suspended for unruly behavior.
- PWD Minister announced formation of a Special Task Force.
- Illegal meat sales deemed an offense to religious sentiments.
- Criticism of former AAP government for its support to maulvis.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) On a day when two AAP legislators were suspended from the Assembly for disorderly conduct, the Delhi government on Thursday declared measures against all illegal meat vendors occupying pavements, a commitment made to two BJP MLAs who raised concerns ahead of the upcoming Navratri festival.
The suspension of the legislators ensued after PWD Minister Parvesh Verma referred to a member as “Bhai” while voicing his complaints about frequent interruptions during his address in the House.
Verma, speaking in Hindi, protested against the disruptions, stating, 'Where have you brought such misbehaviour from, Bhai?'
AAP's Karol Bagh MLA Vishesh Ravi and Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar made loud objections, claiming Verma used unparliamentary language towards the Leader of Opposition, Atishi.
Following this, Speaker Vijender Gupta requested the two to specify the unparliamentary term Verma allegedly used, but they did not respond and continued their disturbance. Consequently, the Speaker ordered marshals to remove the two AAP MLAs from the House.
In an interview with IANS, Vishesh Ravi accused Minister Verma of disrespecting Atishi by making a comment directed at her.
“It is unfortunate that such language has been used against a woman legislator who is also a former Chief Minister,”
Ravi expressed after being escorted out.
Kuldeep Kumar also condemned Verma’s remarks, asserting, “His comments indicate that the BJP is anti-woman,” he told IANS.
Earlier in the Assembly, while addressing a question, Minister Verma affirmed that strict directives had been issued to all officials to eliminate illegal vendors of meat and fish throughout the city.
The PWD Minister guaranteed that a Special Task Force (STF) would be established, consisting of officials from PWD and SDM, to address encroachments.
“Encroachments that have persisted for the last 10 years will now be removed. Local PWD officials and police will be accountable for ensuring that encroachers do not return to the pavements,” he stated.
He was responding to a query from BJP’s Shakur Basti MLA Karnail Singh, who inquired about plans to take action against illegal meat vendors in light of the approaching Hindu festival of Navratri.
“Besides encroachment, the illegal sale of meat from pavements also offends religious sentiments,” he mentioned.
Another BJP MLA, Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj, also expressed his disapproval regarding the illegal sale of meat and fish during Navratri.
Later, AAP MLA Som Dutt asked if the government intended to allocate Rs 20,000 a month to temple priests.
Minister Verma took the opportunity to criticize the previous AAP government, stating it is a positive development that after a decade in power, the Opposition party has started showing interest in temple priests.
“The former government over the past 10 years only provided monthly stipends to maulvis,” he remarked.
Verma also criticized the previous AAP administration for failing to utilize funds, despite allocating Rs 80 crore for pilgrimage activities for Delhi residents.
He opposed attempts by AAP legislators to disrupt discussions concerning Chhath Puja, Kawar Sewa, pilgrimages, and Urs.
The treasury benches subsequently erupted over allegations that the Opposition AAP was obstructing inquiries related to Chhath Puja.
