Majithia case: No-trust vote against Badal govt defeated

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 23

The no-confidence motion moved by the Congress against the Akali- BJP government in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today was defeated through a voice vote, amid pandemonium in the House. Even as the House was adjourned thrice, and the Opposition Congress was advised by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to let the House proceedings continue, they chose to remain defiant.
The Congress cornered the BJP on its support to its alliance partner SAD on the no-confidence motion. The Congress said the motion was aimed at highlighting drug menace in Punjab at a time when names of senior Akali leaders had cropped up in a probe into synthetic drug racket. However, Opposition MLAs failed to take on Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia, who has been summoned by Enforcement Directorate for questioning in the drug case.
The Congress could not take full advantage of the situation arising from Majithia being summoned by the ED, though they had initially demanded his resignation.

Assembly passes resolution on Chandigarh

A resolution brought by four Akali MLAs, seeking transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, was passed by the House. 

Another resolution, condemning the use of unparliamentary language by members of the House, was also passed.

During the second day of the winter session, 4 Bills were passed.