Day on, Rajya Sabha poll row continues to rock House; Saini says govt didn’t back independent nominee

Chandigarh: The row over one of the two Rajya Sabha seats won by the Congress dominated proceedings on Wednesday as the Haryana assembly concluded its budget session amid high drama and repeated disruptions, with CM Nayan Singh Saini declaring that the third independent candidate was not back by the govt.The house was adjourned sine die after the passage of five bills. Sharp exchanges between CM Saini and leader of opposition Bhupinder Hooda marked the day, with Congress and BJP MLAs trading barbs during question hour, forcing speaker Harvinder Kalyan to advance the lunch break.Congress MLAs, who reached late and missed raising questions, protested after the speaker allowed independent MLA Devender Kadian to speak on the Rajya Sabha issue. The move drew allegations of bias from the opposition. Hooda joined the protest, clashing with treasury benches. Kadian hit back, saying Congress had become a "laughing stock". Congress leaders accused the govt of undermining democratic norms.Saini then mounted a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party itself was guilty of undermining democratic principles. Terming Congress's claim of "murder of democracy" as politically motivated, he said such assertions betrayed the party's frustration and weakened democratic discourse.Saini said the issue did not formally arise for discussion. However, he noted that senior Congress member Raghuvir Singh Kadian, a former speaker, had questioned the need to field a third candidate. He also referred to remarks made to the media by Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal, who alleged that state ministers had sought to poach Congress MLAs.The CM clarified that the third candidate was not backed by the govt, but was an independent fielded by independent members. He emphasised that in a democracy, every individual had the right to contest elections. The independent candidate had approached them for support and also sought votes from the Congress, he said. Those who backed him did so in accordance with their conscience, he said. "There should be no objection to that. Attempts to cast aspersions on the process are unwarranted," Saini said.The CM added that a majority of Congress MLAs were absent during question hour. "The opposition appears to be so frustrated and disheartened that its members did not even come to hear replies to their own questions. If they are not present, how will they effectively raise the issues of the people in the house?" he said.Cong protests reflect its condition: SainiSpeaking to media after the session, CM Nayab Singh Saini said protests by Congress reflected its internal condition, and it was unclear what was happening within the party.Taking a dig at Congress, he said for the first time in the state, the party's top leadership was seen acting as polling agents. He remarked the Congress leadership no longer had trust in its own members and had also lost the confidence of people. In response to another question, the CM said that contesting elections as an independent candidate was a democratic right and cannot be restricted. He accused Congress of undermining democratic values, stating that contradictions are clearly visible in the statements and conduct of its leaders.Referring to Abhay Chautala, he said that in a democracy everyone has the right to vote or not voteThe chief minister also stated that one of their votes was declared invalid, against which they raised an objection with the Election Commission, but it was not accepted. Despite this, he said he respected the democratic process and accepted the decision.. MSID:: 129657946 413 |