Khanduri proves majority amid walkout by Congress

Dehra Dun, Mar 14 (UNI) B C Khanduri-led BJP government today proved its majority in the Uttarakhand Assembly, securing 39 votes in the 70-member House, amid a walkout by the Opposition Congress.

The Congress alleged that an exorbitant sum was spent on the swearing-in ceremony of Maj Gen Khanduri.

The government secured 39 votes in its favour, including three belonging to Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and one Independent. Eight BSP members voted against the government motion.

Addressing the House on the second day of the Assembly Session, Mr Khanduri said his party emerged as the largest group in the assembly elections held on February 21, winning 34 of the total 69 seats involved in the polls.

The Assembly was later adjourned for 30 minutes by Speaker Harbans Kapoor following Leader of Opposition Harak Singh's demend for a discussion on the incident of circulation of an obscene MMS of a local girl that evoked an attack on the shops owned by a particular community that created furore in the House.

Mr Rawat, supported by his party members and members of the Bahujan Samaj Party, said environment of ''communal hatred'' was being instigated.

When repeated requests of the Speaker that the plea had been accepted yeilded no results, he adjourned the House for half an hour.

At 1145 hrs, when the House reassembled, Mr Khanduri made a statement denying the allegations of over-expenditure on the swearing in ceremony, saying nearly Rs 12 lakhs were spent on it, and that included security.

Calling the MMS episode a matter of shame for the 'Devbhoomi', Mr Khanduri said the culprit would be brought to book and security to the agrieved community ensured.

UNI