Congress MLAs today staged a walkout in the Punjab Assembly in protest against the state government's failure to come up with a white paper on cases lodged against drug peddlers and the number of police officers involved in smuggling.
During the Question Hour, Congress MLA Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi sought reply from Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on the question of whether the state government would issue a white paper on the issue or not.
The Congress wanted record of cases lodged against drug peddlers since January 1, 2014, the number of police officials involved in illegal activities regarding drug smuggling and the details of departmental action taken against them so far.
Assembly Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, however, granted extension to Badal for giving reply on the issue, drawing sharp reactions from Congress legislators who accused the government of running away from speaking on a issue the state was grappling with.
"It is unfair... We never expected that they (SAD-BJP) will run away. Why the state government is not giving reply. We want answer," Leader of the Opposition Sunil Jakhar said.
Atwal said that he had already granted extension to Badal. "Reply will come," said the Speaker.
Sodhi said that it (drug abuse) was a burning issue of the state and remained adamant on a debate. "We are not here just for the state government's criticism. The people will not forgive us if we do not address this issue," Sodhi said, while insisting on a debate on the drug menace.
As the Congress MLA insisted on a debate, Badal asked the opposition not to politicise the issue. "I have requested the Speaker for granting an extension. I will reply on Monday or Tuesday," he said.
Not satisfied with Badal's reply, Congress MLAs rushed to the Well of the House, demanding debate on the issue. Amid exchange of words between treasury and opposition benches, Congress MLAs walked out of the House.
