CHANDIGARH: Turbans went flying in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on March 15, in the unprecedented Scuffle in which the Akali Dal (L) MLA, Inderjit Singh Zira, was nailed down and beaten up by the Members from the treasuries, including some ministers in the Well of the House as the Speaker adjourned the House for the day amidst Pandemonium which prevailed for more than an hour.
As the Speaker, Harcharan Singh Ajnala, was announcing adjournment in the wake of dharna and Slogan shouting by the members from the Akali Dal (L), the BSP, the CPI(M) and the JD, Zirarushed towards Speaker’s podium, the Passage to which had been barricaded by the watch and ward staff. Suddenly, he was seen rushing towards the Chief Minister, Beant Singh. The ruling party members pounced upon Zira and in the free for all, the turbans of some members fell down. Zira was kicked around and given blows.
The trouble started when Zira took strong exception to Beant Singh’s allegation during discussion on motion of condemnation of Bombay blasts that the Akali leader used to frequent the slain militant Nishan Singh Makhu’s house. The Chief Minister said he had proof of Zira’s links with the Slain militant.
The infuriated member was immediately on his legs and said he Was prepared to face a judicial enquiry to verify the veracity of the allegation, He said in case the charge was proved, he would resign his seat, otherwise the Chief Minister should resign. He demanded apology from Beant Singh, Zira then walked into the Well of the House. The entire Opposition was on its feet.
Zira was supported by Madan Mohan Mittal (BJP) who said as the member had opted for judicial enquiry, the Chief Minister should make the statement. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Umrao Singh, got up saying everything should be expunged. Ziraresumed his seat as Speaker said he would be given opportunity to make a personal explanation after Beant Singh ended his statement.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 19, 1993
