After AAP protest, Speaker rejects demand to pay homage to Singhal

The Winter session of Delhi Assembly on Wednesday began on an acrimonious note as the demand of BJP MLAs to pay homage to late VHP leader Ashok Singhal, was opposed by AAP legislators and Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel rejected the Opposition’s demand to pay homage.

The Speaker took the decision after a majority of AAP legislators opposed the demand by BJP’s three members in the 70-seat House, the AAP tweeted.

Amid charges and counter-charges from both sides, Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal responded to Vijender Gupta’s demand saying that paying homage to Singhal was not possible as he did not hold any Constitutional post.

Singhal, the architect of the campaign that led to the razing of the 16th century Babri mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, died in a Gurgaon hospital following kidney and heart problems.

The session began by paying homage to the victims of Paris terror attack and was followed by the demand of Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta for paying tribute to Singhal.

The ruling party MLAs, including Jagdeep Singh, Amantullah Khan, Somnath Bharti, vociferously protested the demand made by Gupta and two other BJP legislators, claiming that Singhal had played a “divisive role” in his life and had participated in the movement for demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Later, due to stiff opposition by AAP MLAs, Ashok Singhal’s name was removed from official records citing his “communal background” and “divisive role”. The House resumed normal business after peace was restored by the Deputy Speaker.

During special Mention Rule atleast two dozen MLA raised in their areas problems such as water, sewer, schools and hospitals. Similarly, in short duration discussions on condition of unauthorised colonies in Delhi and discussion on rising intolerance in the country.

Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over the unfortunate Dadri incident.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not present in the Assembly when the session began at 2 pm. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was present in the House.

The House is also slated to have a discussion over the alleged growing “intolerance” in the country on the first day of the session.

The AAP government has decided to introduce six bills, including Code of Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill, Delhi School Education Amendment Bill and Minimum Wages Amendment Bill in the Assembly session which is to continue till November 28.