Punjab Assembly condemns Haryana INLD MLAs' attempt to enter House

Punjab Assembly today adopted a resolution condemning Haryana INLD legislators’ attempt today to “barge” into the Vidhan Sabha protesting against the recent passage of a Bill on Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.

As Zero Hour was in progress in the Punjab Assembly, MLAs of Opposition INLD in Haryana led by their leader Abhay Chautala tried to enter the House but their attempt was thwarted by the watch and ward staff.

The INLD legislators scuffled with the security personnel of Punjab Assembly and shouted slogans at the gate which lasted for about 15 minutes.

Punjab and Haryana, with common capital Chandigarh, have Assemblies in the same complex here and both the Houses are in session.

Condemning the act of INLD MLAs, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal of the BJP moved a resolution which was adopted by the House.

Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal later called an all-party meeting, also attended by protesting INLD MLAs, in his chamber.

The INLD MLAs were protesting against a bill passed by Punjab Assembly that provides for returning 3,928 acres of land acquired for construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to the original landowners.

Earlier during the Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition Charanjit Singh Channi and his party colleagues entered into the Well of the House alleging that Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal was not allowing him to speak on the issue.

Pandemonium prevailed forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for 30 minutes.

The Speaker clarified he was allowing other Congress members to take up various issues during Zero Hour.

As the House reassembled, Congress MLAs again protested, this time against the move of the INLD legislators.

The Speaker again adjourned the House for another 30 minutes.

Even as the Congress members were protesting, sharp exchanges took place between the treasury and Opposition over the issue of construction of SYL canal.

Sohan Singh Thandal, a Cabinet minister from the SAD, alleged the Congress members were themselves not allowing Channi to speak as he is a dalit leader.

However, Ashwini Sekhri of Congress asserted Channi is their leader and will remain in future as well.