C’GARH MINISTER WALKS OUT OF ASSEMBLY OVER ALLEGATIONS OF ATTACKING MLA
Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo on Tuesday walked out of the legislative assembly demanding that his government issue a “clear statement” addressing accusations that he was behind an attack on fellow Congress legislator Brihaspat Singh, triggering a crisis for the ruling Congress party in the state.
Tuesday was the second day of the monsoon session, which has witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches over the alleged attack that occurred on July 24 in Surguja district. Singh, the legislator from Ramanujanj, alleged that a vehicle in his convoy was attacked by three people, including a relative of the health minister. Singh Deo had denied the charge and said that he had instructed the police to take strict action against the perpetrators.
“Yesterday (Monday), the chief minister (Bhupesh Baghel) had called us to his chamber and a discussion took place [on the alleged rift]. Even after that, a limited statement (from the home minister) came before the House,” Singh Deo said.
“I do not believe that I am in a position to attend the House till the government presents a clear reply on the issue… I do not consider myself eligible to participate in the proceedings of this House till the time the government does not put out a clear reply in my context,” he said, before walking out of the House and refusing to speak to the media.
This led to uproar, following which the speaker adjourned the proceedings for 10 minutes. Later, Singh Deo returned to the assembly and told reporters that he got a call from his cabinet colleagues and had come back.
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