Punjab Budget session ends with scuffle

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 4

On the final day of the Budget session, Congress MLAs, including Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and MLA Kulbir Zira, almost came to blows with Akali MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu. The matter ended with a privilege motion against the latter. The matter was referred to the Privilege Committee.

It all happened during Zero Hour when Tinu tried to raise non-payment of post-matric scholarships to Scheduled Caste students. But Speaker Rana KP Singh refused permission which led to heated arguments between him and Tinu. Most Akali MLAs had walked out by then. Tinu scribbled slogans against the Speaker on a placard and stormed into the well of the House.

He stood close to the Finance Minister’s seat, chanting slogans. Irked, Manpreet rose from his seat to confront him. He was joined by the Jails Minister, Kulbir Zira, BS Pahra and others. The MLAs virtually cornered Tinu.

Akali MLA Dr Sukhwinder Sukhi and another MLA came to Tinu’s help. Then somebody pushed Pahra, who nearly collided with Tinu. At this juncture, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes. When the session resumed, Technical Education Minister Charnajit Singh Channi appealed for leniency for Tinu. But Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra pointed out that derogatory remarks were made against the Speaker and ‘abusive language’ used for the Finance Minister, who “does not get provoked easily.” He moved a privilege motion against Tinu. The case was referred to the Privilege Committee.

Later at a press conference, Tinu alleged that it was Manpreet who had used abusive language and that Congress MLAs had tried to manhandle him inside the House. He claimed the MLAs wanted to crush the voice of the Dalits.