Bihar Assembly adjourned till lunch following pandamonium

Patna, Jul 28 (UNI) The Bihar Assembly was adjourned till lunch following pandemonium by the Opposition over 'irregularities' in the Public Distribution System and the Below Poverty Line lists.

As soon as the House met, the Opposition raised these issues and trooped into the well waving placards. They demanded cancellation of the existing BPL list and removal of the names of affluent people.

Shouting anti government slogans and thumping the reporters' desk the members demanded distribution of foodgrains and kerosene oil among the poor.

Speaker Udai Narayan Choudhry took up the Question Hour amid the din and bustle. But the governments reply went unheard.

Mr Choudhry requested the Opposition to maintain peace and resume their seats, but in vain.

Intervening, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar referred to the rules and procedure of the House and described the uproarious scenes as undemocratic as, he said, the Opposition had raised the issue in the Question Hour without giving any adjournment notice on the issues.

He dubbed these efforts as a gimmick to get publicity. Mr Kumar said they were answerable to the people for interrupting the most important business of the House--the Question Hour.

The members could have raised the issues during Zero Hour, he said adding that the Oppostion was rendered issue-less and had no right to disturb the Question Hour.

He said the government was, however, prepared for a debate.

But the Opposition continued to shout slogans.

Later the Speaker adjourned the House till lunch after functioning for nearly 23 minutes.

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