In a major scuffle between BJP and Congress legislators in the Gujarat Assembly, MLAs exchanged blows while mikes were flung as the House plunged into chaos.
After the ugly scenes in the House, Speaker Rajendra Trivedi suspended Congress legislators Amrish Der and Pratp Dudhat for three years while another Opposition party member Baldevji Thakor was suspended for one year.
The zero hour on Wednesday witnessed fierce arguments, as members started hurling expletives at each other; while Mr. Dudhat hit BJP MLA Jagdish Panchal with his belt as both were engaged in exchanging blows and slaps.
As they came to blows, other members from both sides rushed to the well where they all jostled with one another before the Speaker adjourned the proceedings.
Asaram Bapu case
The ruckus erupted during discussion over tabling the report of Justice D.K. Trivedi Commission in the Asaram Bapu case pertaining to the unnatural death of two children studying in the ashram in 2008.
Senior Congress legislator Vikram Madam tried to raise a question and participate in the issue but was repeatedly shouted down by the members from treasury benches.
He was forcefully taken out by marshals when he tried to pull out a mike from the table.
Later, Mr. Der attacked BJP MLAs. In return, BJP MLAs collectively thrashed him inside the House.
Trade charges
Following the adjournment, leaders of both parties traded allegations and charges. “Our members were not allowed to speak in the House and when they tried, they were provoked by the ruling party members,” said Leader of the Opposition Paresh Dhanani.
He said BJP legislator Mr. Panchal used expletives at Congress members, prompting the scuffle.
However, the ruling party leaders dismissed the Opposition leader’s charges and alleged that Congress members indulged in violence in the House.
“The opposition party members started the ruckus and resorted to violence in the House. It is a black day for democracy,” said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.
