BSP MLAs stage walkout in UP assembly over law and order issue

Lucknow, Feb 19: Voicing strong indignation over rise in incidents of crime in Uttar Pradesh, main opposition BSP today demanded a discussion on it in the state Assembly after suspending Question hour and staged a walkout when the Chair did not yield.

As soon as the House met for the day, Leader of Opposition Swami Prasad Maurya demanded suspension of the Question Hour to allow discussion on law and order situation.

"There is no law and order in the state and anarchy is prevailing all over. Incidents of murder, loot, dacoity and rape have increased and even theft is committed in the house of a High Court judge. There should be a discussion on it," Maurya said. He was supported by his party colleagues.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan said there was no anarchy in the state as sought to be projected by the opposition. He said the government had information that some parties were trying to create an atmosphere for narrow political gains. "BSP is trying to make the government unstable and is acting in an undemocratic manner," Khan said.

Infuriated by the minister's comment, BSP members raised slogans against the government and staged walkout. During Question Hour too, BSP members staged walkout on the issue of non-availability of potato seeds to farmers.

The issue of availability of potato seeds was raised by BSP member Dharmpal Singh. Responding to him, Minister Parasnath Yadav said due to high market rate, the demand of potato seeds have increased due to which problems were faced in ensuring supply.

He, however, said the government was making all possible efforts to make seeds available. Dissatisfied over the answer, BSP members staged a walkout alleging that SP government was not serious on issues relating to farmers.

PTI