UP assembly adjourened following Opposition pandemonium

Lucknow, Jan 25 (UNI) The proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly were adjourned for over 50 minutes, soon after the house met for the day, following pandemonium created by the united Opposition over the remarks of state Transport minister on rigging during the local urban bodies elections.

It was perhaps for the first time in the recent past that the Opposition joined ranks to protest the remarks of the minister.

Shouting slogans, the Opposition members, comprising of BJP, BSP, Congress and RLD rushed to the Well of the house, demanding dismissal of Transport minister and senior SP leader Naresh Agarwal.

Despite efforts by Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey to pacify the members, the Opposition members continued with their protest. After 10 minutes, the Speaker adjourned the house till 1200 hrs.

The Opposition members continued to sit in the Well of the house despite the house being adjourned. They also refused to talk to the Speaker on the continuation of proceedings.

In his reply on the debate on motion of thanks to the Governor's address, Mr Agarwal had reportedly said, ''Sarkar pe nikay chunav ke doran dhandli ke arop lag rahe hain...agar mein mananiya mukhya mantri ki jagah hota to dhandli kar ke dihkata'' (there had been allegations of rigging on the ruling party during the Local urban bodies elections...had I been there as the CM, I would have shown how to do it.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mohammad Azam Khan said the remarks by the minister were being taken out of context as the leader of the house (the CM) has already clarified on the issue yesterday itself.

Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is set to reply on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address. The government is likely to consider the passing of the motion of thanks to the Governor's address as a vote of confidence in the Winter session, ending today.

The sessions is also being dubbed as farewell session as the assembly elections are due shortly in Uttar Pradesh.

UNI