UP Guv fails to read address amidst opposition pandemonium

Lucknow, Jan 18 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar today could not complete his address to the joint session of the state legislature on the opening day of Winter session amidst slogan shouting by the Opposition.

The Governor only read out the first and the last line of his address and left with the customary ''Jai Hind'' soon after the house met at 1130 hrs.

The Opposition BSP, BJP and RLD -- which was so far supporting the government -- raised slogans such as ''Rajyapal Vapas Jao'' (Governor, Go Back) and ''Rajyapal Sach-Sach Bolo'' (Mr Governor read out the truth). The opposition members were also holding banners to display their anguish. BSP members were wearing caps on the NIthari serial killings and even wanted the Mulayam Singh Yadav government to be dismissed over the issue.

The Congress, which earlier today, officially withdrew its outside support to the state government, however, did not raise slogans. Its members were seen standing at their benches.

Later today, the Speaker or one of his aides would read out the complete text of the Governor's address to the joint session.

UNI