The deadlock in Himachal Assembly persisted for the fourth day today as Opposition BJP, adamant on resignation of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, staged a walk out soon after the House assembled.
The BJP members reiterated the demand for suspension of all work to discuss the Delhi High Court proceedings in the alleged money laundering case against the chief minister. After the Chair rejected their demand, they left the House.
As the House assembled, Speaker B B L Butail requested the members to allow the House to continue with its agenda and told the Opposition members that "the matter is sub judice and cannot be discussed" and added that the law will take its own course.
Immediately after Speaker's ruling, the BJP member Suresh Bhardwaj was on his legs and asked the speaker that while the party's notice for an adjournment motion was rejected, the chief minister was allowed to give reply on the issue about the court proceedings.
"We are following the rules and have sought discussion and if the chief minister was allowed to make a statement in the House on the same issue, then how can opposition be denied a discussion over it," he asked.
Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal also questioned "how the Chair allowed the chief minister to speak on the issue, which was rejected by it."
As speaker remained firm on his stand, the agitated BJP members raised slogans which were countered by the ruling party members. BJP legislators later walked out as the speaker proceeded with the Question Hour.
Condemning the walkout, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the Opposition has made it a habit to intentionally disrupt the proceeding of the house.
"It's all right once in a session but the same scene is being repeated every day, which is contempt of the House," he said.
"The matter is sub judice and it is for the court to decide," he said.
