Speaker denies allegations, says ready for consequences

Jammu, May 8 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Tara Chand has described the allegations of his involvement in infamous Srinagar sex scandal as ''baseless and motivated'', and said he is ready to face any consequence if found involved.

Making his first public appearance after the allegations in his Assembly constituency at Khour in Akhnoor tehsil yesterday, Mr Tara Chand, without naming Congress leader and MP from Jammu-Poonch constituency Madan Lal Sharma, described the charges leveled against him as ''baseless, motivated and frivolous''.

The Speaker, who has been representing Chhamb Assembly constituency for the last 12 years, said the people of his area as well as the Congress high command was very well aware of his image and he didn't require any character certificate from anyone.

''I have spent my childhood, the days of my young life and my married life among you people. You are better judge to decide my image,'' Mr Tara Chand said.

Mr Tara Chand, however, repeatedly appealed to the people and Panchayat members not to speak any word against any party leader.

''If we speak against any party leader, it will bring bad name to the Congress. I am a loyal soldier of the party and will remain committed to the organisation,'' the Speaker said.

Leaving the issue to the party high command, he said he would abide the decision taken by the party.

Earlier, Mr Tara Chand was taken to Khour from Jourian in a large convoy of motor-cycles, scooters, cars, jeeps and buses. It reportedly took the rally more than two hours to reach from Jourian to Khour where the Speaker addressed a public meeting.

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