Cong stages walk out twice in MP Assly

Bhopal, Mar 11 (UNI) Dissatisfied with the reply of the Madhya Pradesh Government over corruption-related issues, the main opposition Congress today staged a walk out twice in the state Assembly.

Raising the matter about alleged corruption related to a lease of Indore-based Regal Talkies during the Question Hour, Mr Premchand Guddu (Cong) alleged that the government was attempting to shield corrupt officials in connection with encroachment on land worth about Rs 100 crore.

In his reply, Urban Administration Development Minister Narottam Mishra stated that the government had issued directions for acquiring the land. Prima facie, three officials were found guilty and suspended, while a show-cause notice was served to officer Ashok Baijal. Further action would be taken after his reply.

Mr Guddu demanded suspension of Mr Baijal. He was backed by several Congress members. However, when his demand was not accepted, Mr Guddu alleged that the government was providing protection to the corrupt officials. He announced a walk out and was joined by other Congress members.

The Congress again put the government in the dock during the Question Hour and staged a walk out over delay in the construction of Crystal IT park in Indore.

When the matter was raised by Mr Gudddu, Industries Minister Jayant Malaiya said 'Nagarjuna' company, which had been given the contract, did not complete its job in time. The company was black listed after it did not complete its promise even after time limit was extended twice. Payment of Rs four crore has been stopped as a penalty on the company.

Meanwhile, Mr Ashwin Joshi (Cong) said the company had been granted several government contracts in Indore and those should be cancelled. Several Congress members supported the demand.

However, Mr Malaiya said he could take actions pertaining to his department only.

On the intervention by Speaker Ishwardas Rohani, Mr Malaiya assured that he would write to all the departments to send information regarding various contracts given to that company.

However, Congress members remained adamant over their demand.

Some members alleged corruption in granting of the contract. Later, the Congress staged a walkout.

UNI PKJ-KV PS 1533