Shimla, August 24: The BJP Legislature Party staged a walkout from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly during Question Hour on Monday over a row concerning the alleged disrespect of the National Anthem.
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur alleged that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had falsely accused opposition MLAs of disrespecting the National Anthem. He said the BJP had sought the video recording of the Assembly proceedings from the Speaker, but the footage had not been provided.
“We have asked for the video recording, but it is being withheld. No BJP MLA disrespected the National Anthem. The Chief Minister’s statement would be exposed by the video, which is why it is not being released,” Thakur alleged.
He further claimed that the Assembly Speaker was not releasing the footage and alleged that the BJP had the right to access the recording.
Earlier, BJP MLAs staged a protest and raised slogans in the Assembly complex, alleging that the state government was providing protection to corruption. Thakur also raised questions over allegations concerning “five suitcases” allegedly being collected under the Sukhu government and demanded answers on the source and destination of the money.
The BJP leader said the allegations had been raised by Congress leaders themselves and should be taken seriously. He accused the state government of corruption, political vendetta and ignoring issues related to employment and self-employment.
Thakur also alleged that the government had spent its tenure withdrawing public facilities and shutting down schools, hospitals and other public institutions while targeting BJP leaders and MLAs through politically motivated cases.
