Delhi Assembly Winter Session begins on a stormy note

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Winter Session of Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, Nov 18 began on an acrimonious note as the demand of BJP MLAs to pay homage to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal was opposed by the AAP legislators and then rejected by the Speaker.

The session began by paying homage to the victims of Paris terror attack and was followed by the demand of Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta for paying tribute to Singhal.

The ruling party MLAs, including Jagdeep Singh, Amantullah Khan, Somnath Bharti, vociferously protested the demand made by Gupta and two other BJP legislators, claiming that Singhal had played a "divisive role" in his life and had participated in the movement for demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Amid charges and counter-charges from both sides, Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal responded to Gupta's demand saying that paying homage to Singhal was not possible as he did not hold any Constitutional post. Later, due to stiff opposition by AAP MLAs Ashok Singhal's name was removed from official records citing his "communal background" and "divisive role".

The House resumed normal business after peace was restored by the Deputy Speaker. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not present in the Assembly when the session began at 2 PM. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was present in the House.

The House is also slated to have a discussion over the alleged growing "intolerance" in the country on the first day of the session.

The AAP government has decided to introduce six bills, including Code of Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill, Delhi School Education Amendment Bill and Minimum Wages Amendment Bill in the Assembly session which is to continue till November 28.

PTI