There was pandemonium in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday after Congress MLAs, led by deputy leader of opposition Chaudhary Rakesh Singh Chaturvedi, demanded an explanation from Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan over his controversial “Sunday statement” in which he confessed that the land mafia was collecting money to have him removed from office. They also staged a protest in front of Speaker Ishwardas Rohani's chamber after he reportedly turned down their request for a discussion on the issue. The Speaker then adjourned the House.
Later, the government's public relations department circulated a transcript of Mr. Chauhan's Sunday speech along with a clarification that his statements were wrongly interpreted.
“In the BJP, there are three ways by which one becomes a CM—by the order of the RSS, through a decision of party leadership and with the support of party MLAs. We want the Chief Minister to disclose which of the three is collecting money for his removal,” asked Mr. Chaturvedi.
The Congress MLAs also blamed the Speaker of being partial to the ruling party and evading a discussion and “acting like there are different rules for the BJP and Congress MLAs”.
The Chief Minister has violated his official oath of secrecy and working without fear. He has intelligence reports on who are the people collecting money for his removal so why doesn't he disclose their names,” asked Mr. Chaturvedi.
