Oppn walkout in MP Assy

Bhopal, July 31 (UNI) The opposition staged a walkout in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly today after rejection of a demand for discussion over removal of a statue of Rani Avantibai after its unveiling at Narsinghpur district's Gotegaon.

Raising the matter during question hour, Bharatiya Janashakti Founder-President and former Chief Minister Uma Bharti's confidante Jalam Singh Patel (suspended from the BJP) alleged, ''the statue was removed as an ex-Chief Minister unveiled it.'' Mr Sunil Nayak, who was in the Bharti-led Council of Ministers and stands suspended from the BJP, supported Mr Patel. In moments, several Congress members began speaking in unison and demanding the discussion. Speaker Ishwardas Rohani turned down the demand.

''The statue was removed as the unveiling was organised by the Krishi Upaj Mandi despite permission not being granted by the Culture Department. Several complaints were received,'' said Agriculture Minister Chaudhry Chandrabhan Singh.

Members of the Congress and other parties began speaking all at once sans the Speaker's permission. When Leader of the Opposition Jamuna Devi urged a half-hour discussion, Mr Rohani responded by saying that the matter would be considered if given in writing.

Ultimately, members of the main opposition Congress, BSP, JD(U), SP and Mr Ramlakhan Sharma (CPI-M) staged the walkout.

UNI