Mixed response to Cong whip

Chandigarh, June 23

The Congress had issued a whip on Thursday, asking its 77 MLAs to be present in the House on Friday as several important Bills were to be tabled. However, a few party legislators were absent at one time or the other during the House proceedings, including CM Capt Amarinder Singh.

It was learnt that he was unwell and had sought exemption from the Speaker. The maximum number of Congress MLAs present was 68. The number varied during the passing of various Bills by voice vote as the legislators kept moving in and out of the House. Only 56 of them were present when the Bill on Khalsa University was passed.

The Speaker had to remind them to say “yes” or “no” for voting. When he could not hear their voice, he said, “Boleya vee karo.” Later in the day, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. — TNS