Assembly adjourned for 15 minutes over liquor issue

Gandhinagar, Mar 9 (UNI) The Gujarat Assembly was adjourned amid noisy scenes for 15 minutes today when ruling BJP members and Opposition Congress MLAs created noisy scenes over the prohibition policy of the state government.

Trouble started when Congress MLA Dr C J Chavda raised a question during the Question Hour alleging that the recent announcement of relaxation in liquor policy was the result of a nexus between liquor manufacturing companies and the State Government as these companies were funding the BJP for election purposes.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi rose from his chair and said what has been alleged is a very serious allegation against the state government. The member should produce documentary evidence to substantiate his charge or else failing to do so, must tender an unqualified apology to the House.

Leader of the Opposition Arjun Modhwadia said such underhand deals would not have any documentary evidence. Whatever my member has alleged is perfectly right and the liquor companies have their own axe to grind by funding the ruling party.

Speaker Mangaldas Patel said remarks made by the Opposition would stand expunged from the official records. However, Mr Modi protested that simply expunging the offensive statement was not enough and insisted that an apology was in order from the Congress member. This led to uproarious scenes and the Assembly was adjourned for 15 minutes.

UNI