Give evidence, I will hold inquiry, J

Srinagar, July 31 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today witnessed noisy scenes for about 20 minutes after state Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad rejected the opposition's demand to appoint a two-member committee to investigate the promotions in the Food and Drug Control department.

The trouble started in the Assembly when National Conference (NC) member Chaman Lal Bhagat alleged that the reply given by the Transport Minister Mangat Ram Sharma on the matter of promotions in the department were made on 'consideration other then merit.' Mr Bhagat not satisfied with the answer of his main question demanded the names of those promoted in the department alleging that the process adopted was discriminatory.

When the member insisted and wanted the names of those promoted, the minister read out names of seven persons on which Mr Bhagat challenged it and said it was wrong.

The list is totally wrong, he said and demanded an inquiry after other NC members joined him.

Leader of the Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather said a two-member committee be appointed to investigate the entire matter.

We do not want to move a privilege motion against Mr Sharma for misleading the House by a wrong answer since he was a senior minister, therefore we are demanding an inquiry by a two-member committee, he said.

Intervening in the discussion, the Chief Minister said he will order an inquiry when the NC member will give his list of persons he think is correct.

It is unfair to say what the minister said is wrong when you have no proof, Mr Azad said and added he will conduct an inquiry as Chief Minister.

When the NC remained on their feet despite repeated pleas by Assembly Speaker Tara Chand, Mr Azad said let both the minister and the NC member--give their list for investigation. However, the NC member failed to give his list and keep on challenging the Minister.

when the Speaker again allowed Mr Bhagat to speak, he said ''I am not sure if I am right or wrong, but I want to know from the Minister, the names of the persons promoted.'' On this, the members of the treasury bench were on their feet demanded an apology from the NC member.

The treasury bench members keep shouting and said they will allow the House to function only when Mr Bhagat Apologies to the Minister.

However, order was restored in the House after Mr Azad asked the member to send him evidence.

UNI BAS PA RS1417