Haryana Assembly: Suspended Congress MLAs get letter to attend, then another saying ‘inadvertently sent’

The Congress had given representations to the Speaker Kanwar Pal as well. They were told that as the decision to suspend the MLAs for six months was taken in the Vidhan Sabha, it would be revoked only when the members take a decision.

Former speaker and Congress MLA from Ganaur, Kuldeep Sharma said, “It shows the inexperience of the BJP government in the state.

Initially we received the summons from the Governor to attend the session. Last night, I received another letter saying that the summons were sent inadvertently and the decision on revoking our suspension will be taken by the House. Only then can we attend the proceedings. The Speaker has the power to take this decision, but he is not deciding.”

The budget session witnessed discussion on issues including the Jat agitation. While both the BJP and INLD blamed the Congress for the unrest, the leaders of the party were missing from the House.

Another Congress MLA Jagbir Singh Malik who is also facing suspension, alleged that this was a “ploy of the Haryana government to keep them away from the session.”

“I have received the letter asking me not to attend the session till a decision on the suspension is taken by the House. The BJP government is observing Golden jubilee celebrations of formation of the state. It is to be seen whether on such an occasion the government believes in increasing differences or dissolving these. They went to an extreme in the last session. The government has failed on all fronts. There are several issues that need to be taken up. The BJP is scared that Congress would expose them,” said Malik.

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretary R K Nandal said the first letter asking the MLAs to attend the session was sent as a “matter of routine.” “For clarification, the second letter was sent. The decision on revoking the suspension of the MLAs will be taken by the House,” he said.

Oppn slams govt over Session duration

The Opposition slammed the government’s decision to hold a two-day session.

As per the tentative programme of session sent to all MLAs, the session will commence on August 26 which is a Friday at 2 pm. With Saturday and Sunday being holidays, the session will conclude on Monday. On the first day, there would be obituary references followed by voting on supplementary estimates. On Monday, Bills will be presented followed by any other business to be conducted.

While INLD leader Abhay Chautala said it was the business advisory committee’s duty to set the duration, Congress leader Kiran Choudhry said the party would raise the issue during the Vidhan Sabha session.