AJSU MLA Marshalled Out
Ranchi: Opposition MLAs staged protests in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over the law and order situation and alleged corruption in the state. The protests disrupted proceedings and led to a brief confrontation inside the House.
As soon as the session began, BJP MLAs rushed to the well of the House with posters. They raised slogans and demanded a discussion on what they described as rising corruption and worsening law and order.
During the uproar, the Speaker ordered marshals to escort Nirmal Mahto out of the House. Members later reached a consensus, and the Assembly allowed him to return.
Marandi Targets Government
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the government of allowing corruption to spread across the state. He alleged that officials were not completing any work without taking money.
Marandi also criticised the law and order situation. He cited recent incidents, including firing on labour union leaders in Dumka and the alleged assault on a devotee at the Rajrappa Temple.
He also referred to an incident in Giridih, where a Deputy Commissioner allegedly misbehaved with women protesters during a Women’s Day programme.
Marandi said the government could no longer be called “Abua Sarkar” (people’s government). Instead, he claimed it had become “Babua Sarkar”, suggesting officials were running the administration.
Government Rejects Charges
Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore rejected the allegations. He said the law and order situation in the state was under control.
Kishore added that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He also challenged the opposition to present specific cases of corruption. The government, he said, would take action if evidence was provided.
The minister reminded members that the Assembly follows established rules. Only issues approved by the Business Advisory Committee can be discussed in the House.
Heated Exchange in the House
Tensions increased when Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu and MLA Nirmal Mahto exchanged sharp remarks during the debate.
As the situation escalated, the Speaker directed marshals to escort Mahto out of the House. Later, after intervention by the Finance Minister and requests from opposition members, the Speaker allowed the MLA to return.
Members from the ruling and opposition benches stood facing each other for some time, bringing normal proceedings of the Assembly to a halt.
