Madhya Pradesh: BJP Moves Supreme Court After Speaker Delays Floor Test, Hearing Tomorrow

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday moved Supreme Court after Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned till March 26. The Apex Court has agreed to hear the matter tomorrow. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned amid the demand by BJP MLAs to hold a floor test as directed by Governor Lalji Tandon. Just after the brief address of the governor, MLAs of the BJP raised the demand for a floor test, triggering an uproar.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Govind Singh raised the issue of coronavirus threat in the country and also mentioned the Central government’s advisory. The speaker accepted Singh’s plea and adjourned the House till March 26. 

CM Kamal Nath wrote to state Governor Lalji Tandon stating that holding of a floor test in the Assembly was not possible in view of some MLAs of the Congress being held in “captivity” by the BJP with the help of Karnataka Police.

“I would like you to recall that when I met you on March 13, 2020, I had brought to your notice that BJP has kept many Congress MLAs as captive under the control of Karnataka Police and they were forced to give different types of statements.

“I have clarified that in such a situation holding any floor test has no meaning and it will be undemocratic and unconstitutional,” Nath stated.

On Sunday, Madhya Pradesh BJP Legislature Party had issued a whip to all its MLAs to remain present in the House during the Assembly session. The whip was issued by BJP chief whip and MLA Narottam Mishra.

The Kamal Nath government in the state is teetering after 22 MLAs, supporters of Jyotiraditya Scindia who quit the Congress and joined the BJP, resigned.

(With PTI Inputs)