AAP violated House rules by modifying seating plan: Majithia

CHANDIGARH : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had violated the rules of business of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha by modifying the seating arrangement of MLAs in the House.

Addressing mediapersons after session, former revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia said the leader of opposition and AAP legislator HS Phoolka asked AAP’s Kotkapura MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan and another AAP MLA to get up from their assigned seats and allow the two Bains brothers—Simarjeet and Balwinder—to sit. The Bains brothers whose Lok Insaaf party (LIP) is allied with the AAP have been assigned seats in the assembly away from where the AAP MLAs are supposed to sit.

“Sandhwan and the other MLA moved after some resistance. It is a clear violation of section 4-B(1) of the rules of business of the House,” said Majithia, quoting the rule.

He further said the whole move seems to be the result of some brewing dissonance between Phoolka and the party’s chief whip Sukhpal Singh Khaira. “Phoolka wanted his supporters within the party around him before the walkout,” said Majithia. “In fact the oneupmanship was visible among the Congress leaders too on Monday. Manpreet Badal and Navjot Singh Sidhu were trying to outdo each other,” quipped Majithia.

Former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa said it was “strange” that the AAP walked out over the issue of not having a discussion on the governor’s address. “It was decided in the meeting of the business advisory committee where Phoolka was present. It was felt that a single day of discussion on the governor’s address now is not adequate. It would be better to have a four-day discussion even if it is two months later,” he said. “The AAP leaders probably do not understand the working of the House or are trying to grab headlines by marching out of the House,” Dhindsa said.

Disapproving of the AAP walkout, Majithia said election of the speaker was a solemn occasion and the dignity of the House ought to be maintained at least on such days. “We are going to play the role of a constructive opposition and will take on the government on various issues. There is no point jumping about on a non-issue,” he said.