Jharkhand assembly disrupted for fourth day

Ranchi, July 28: The Jharkhand assembly witnessed disruptions for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday as the opposition targeted the government on a range of issues.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha legislators raised the issue of an ordinance sent to the President for making changes in the two land laws -- Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act.

The JMM members also mentioned the custodial death of Rupesh Swansy, suicide of police inspector Umesh Kacchap and sexual exploitation of a tribal girl.

Leader of Opposition Hemant Soren said: "If the important issues are not raised in the Assembly then where will we raise such issues? The government is misusing its machinery against the legislators and bypassing the assembly. The ordinance has been sent to the President when the Assembly session was convened."

Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik legislator Pradeep Yadav brought an adjournment motion on the changes in the energy policy.

"The government is trying to give benefit to a particular private energy company by making changes in the energy policy. The state will suffer a loss of Rs 2,000 crore if the changes are made," Yadav said.

When assembly Speaker Dinesh Oraon rejected the adjournment motions, the opposition members trooped to the well of the house and raised slogans.

The Speaker then adjourned the house till 12.15 pm.

When the house reassembled, the opposition members trooped to the well again and shouted slogans, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the house till 2 pm.

Meanwhile, the ruling party alleged that the opposition parties have adopted undemocratic methods to stall the proceedings of the Assembly.

"There are many issues which need to be addressed during the Question Hour. But the opposition is politicising the issues and escaping from discussion," BJP MLA Biranchi Narayan said.

IANS