What Happened as the Monsoon Session of MP Assembly Opened Amid Protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly has begun amidst protests.
- Congress MLAs are advocating for OBC reservation policies.
- A directive exists banning protests within the Assembly.
- The session will last for 12 days, focusing on key issues.
- Political tensions between Congress and BJP are likely to escalate.
Bhopal, July 28 (NationPress) The Monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced on Monday, accompanied by gentle rain in the state capital, Bhopal. However, tensions arose on the inaugural day.
The session began with the traditional greeting of Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar by the Leader of the House Kailash Vijayvargiya, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, and other senior ministers.
On the first day, the assembly met for a brief duration before being adjourned until 11 a.m. the following day, after paying tribute to former leaders who have passed away and expressing condolences over national tragedies, including the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad (Gujarat).
An exhibition showcasing 'Jal Ganga Samvardhan' and the accomplishments of the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led BJP government was also inaugurated by Chief Minister Yadav and Speaker Tomar.
In contrast, prior to entering the assembly, Congress MLAs spearheaded by LoP Singhar gathered near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi within the Assembly grounds for a symbolic protest, accusing the BJP government of implementing "double standards" regarding OBC reservations.
The Congress representatives entered the assembly carrying banners and posters, labeling the BJP government as "Girgit" (chameleon).
“The BJP government is reluctant to enforce the 27 percent reservation policy for OBCs, but Congress will persistently advocate for this demand until the state government clarifies its position,” Singhar stated.
Congress has devised a comprehensive strategy to challenge the BJP government on various critical issues throughout the 12-day Monsoon session, beginning with the OBC reservation topic on the first day.
However, the tension between Congress and BJP regarding OBC reservations in Madhya Pradesh has been ongoing. The Kamal Nath-led Congress government had increased the reservation quota from 14 to 27 percent back in 2019, and the matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Notably, the Congress MLAs conducted a protest despite an official directive prohibiting protests and the use of banners at the Assembly premises. This directive, issued under Standing Order 94 (2), prohibits symbolic displays including masks, props, placards, horns, and gestures in the Assembly, labeling them as 'disruptive'.
This directive was introduced in response to the opposition utilizing various symbolic protests in the previous session, including wearing black masks to signify government secrecy, showcasing fake snakes to highlight unemployment, and donning skeleton costumes to expose alleged corruption.