NEW DELHI: The
Delhi assembly witnessed chaotic scenes after BJP MLA
OP Sharma used "objectionable" word against AAP legislator
Amanatullah Khan on Monday.
Sharma's remark led to unruly scenes on the floor of the assembly. Several AAP legislators raised slogans and called Sharma's remark an "insult of the House". Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the saffron party of dividing India in the name of Hindus and Muslims. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia demanded action against Sharma.
"Look at BJP MLA - shameful. BJP wants to divide the nation on the lines of Hindus and Muslims. This is also what Pakistan wants. BJP is accomplishing Pakistan's aims. Why did Modiji go to meet Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan? Why was ISI called to Pathankot for investigation? What is the secret relation between BJP and Pakistan?" he tweeted.
Taking note of AAP's objection, Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel referred the matter to the House Privileges Committee. The speaker's decision prompted BJP MLA Jagdish Pradhan to walk out of the House in protest.
The ruckus started during a discussion on water shortage in Sharma's Viswas Nagar constituency. In the midst of the discussion, Sharma, who was accusing the government officers of the prevailing water shortage, was opposed by Khan. It appears, Sharma was not pleased with Khan's objection and ended up using the "objectionable word".
Later, the Speaker expunged the word used by Sharma from House proceedings. While referring the matter, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said that the word used by the BJP MLA is "objectionable" and asked the Committee to present its report as soon as possible.
Following this, AAP legislators trooped into the Well of the House demanding strict action against the BJP legislator.
Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia too slammed Sharma, saying his remarks could not be tolerated and demanded action against him. He said those in power at Centre and in opposition in Delhi have a mentality of "dividing" the country.
The deputy chief minister said this country belonged to all and not just a particular religion, adding this is not just the question of an MLA and that this could not be tolerated in the House.
Following the ruckus over the issue, Speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes.
When the House met again, AAP's Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha proposed to refer the matter to Privileges Committee of the House.
While proposing to refer the matter of Sharma to the Committee, Jha alleged that country cannot be "divided" in the name of religion.
Jha said he wanted to know how Sharma could use foul language against officers working with the Delhi government.
(With inputs from PTI)
