Cong stages 'dharna' outside Madhya Pradesh Speaker's chamber
Bhopal, July 17 : Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ishwardas Rohani could not enter the House for taking part in the Question Hour today after Congress members staged 'dharna' outside his chamber.
Congress members, who were demanding discussion on alleged corruption, illegal mining and recent Income Tax raid on two businessmen Dilip Suryavanshi and Sudhir Sharma, reached outside the Speaker's room before the Question Hour began.
Mr Rohani told reporters that he invited Congress members -- who were led by Leader of the Opposition Ajay Singh -- twice for discussion but they did not enter his chamber and kept staging 'dharna' outside.
"Later, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached my chamber when he learnt about the dharna. He too invited them for discussion but to no avail," he said.
The main Opposition Congress had submitted an adjournment motion yesterday in this regard but the Government had refused discussion over the issue pointing out that IT raids could not be subject for it.
Mr Rohani said that the opposition should have accepted his invitation for discussion over the issue but it seems they did not want to resolve the deadlock.
Speaking about the opposition's demand for discusion over corruption and illegal mining, he said that the matter was general.
He said that he was open for discussion provided any specific matter pertaining to the Government was raised.
About whether the stalemate will continue in view of the opposition remaining adamant over their demand, the Speaker said that respected the opposition who are important constituent of democracy. However, they will have to take the last decision.