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Congress MLAs protest as they display placards declaring Assam state flood as a national calamity during the first day of Assembly session, in Guwahati on Friday. (PTI)[/caption]
Guwahati, July 26 (PTI): Opposition MLAs walked out of the Assam Assembly on Friday after the speaker rejected an adjournment notice seeking discussion on the flood situation in the state.
As soon as the House assembled for the first day of the summer session here, Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, supported by the AIUDF, moved an adjournment motion, which was rejected by Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami on the ground that it was not raised "as per the rules of the Assembly".
Noting that Assam was not experiencing floods for the first time in, Goswami said, "The matter can be taken up after the Question Hour. Everyone will get an opportunity to speak on the topic. All members have to obey the rules of the House and should not be playing to the gallery."
Angry exchanges ensued between the opposition and treasury bench BJP MLAs, following which the Congress and AIUDF legislators moved to the well of House, insisting that the speaker fulfill their demand.
As Goswami remained steadfast in his decision, the demonstrating MLAs staged a walkout in protest.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said discussions can always be held after the Question Hour as per 'rule 60 clause one of the Rules and Procedures of House'.
Maintaining that the House "works for the interests of public and not any party", Patowary said, "The Congress diluted the important issue of floods by staging the walk- out."
