Ranchi, July 31: The BJP MLAs of Jharkhand on Wednesday staged a sit-in at the well of the house of the Jharkhand assembly even after the session was adjourned for the next day.
BJP MLAs also shared videos on their social media handles alleging that lights and air-conditioners inside the assembly hall had been switched off forcing them to stage the agitation in darkness.
The BJP MLAs refused to heed to the chief minister Hemant Soren persuasion who met them later in the evening and cited that he would have to seek permission from the speaker before answering to their questions in the house.
The adamant BJP MLAs continued to stage their agitation claiming that they would pass the night in the assembly till the chief minister answers their questions.
Earlier, the protest by the BJP prompted speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto to adjourn the proceedings till Thursday.
During the Question Hour, BJP chief whip Biranchi Narayan wanted to know from the chief minister about his “promise” of five lakh jobs to youths.
Soren claimed that since he came out of jail, the opposition has become uneasy.
“But I assure them I would reply all the questions of opposition including jobs and satisfy them with proper statistics,” the chief minister said.
Demanding that Soren reply to their questions during the first half of the proceedings, BJP members trooped into the well. Amid slogan shouting, the House proceedings continued till it was adjourned for lunch break at 12.30 pm.
Leader of the Opposition Amar Bauri urged the Speaker to direct the chief minister to reply on issues such as five lakh jobs to youths, unemployment allowances, and regularization of contractual workers.
“The CM today said that he would reply to all questions. We want his reply today itself. This is the last session of the fifth Jharkhand assembly. If CM speaks on the concluding day, we will not be allowed counter questions,” he said.
Assembly elections in Jharkhand are due later this year.
Bauri said that until the CM speaks on the issue, they would not leave the house.
Thereafter, the BJP legislators trooped into the well of the house and staged a sit-in, disrupting the house proceedings.
Earlier, the opposition BJP staged a protest outside the assembly holding a long banner mentioning the government’s promises made to the state people.
BJP chief whip Biranchi Narayan alleged that the government has cheated all including women, youth, assistant police, para teachers and others. When they raise their issues, the government baton charged them, he alleged.
