The Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha witnessed vociferous scenes during Governor Margaret Alva's address, forcing her to hurriedly wrap up her speech on Tuesday.
The entire Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was up on its feet — first raising anti-government slogans and then switching to slogans urging the Governor to address the legislators in Hindi and not English. The members shouted slogans such as Rashtra Bhasha ka apman nahi chalega (disrespect to the national language will not be tolerated) and Rajyapal wapas jaao (Governor go back).
The Governor began her speech in Hindi and switched to English, before concluding it in Hindi.
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A calm but disturbed Ms. Alva later told reporters that the Constitution did not lay down any specific language for the President or Governor. “They [the BJP] had to say something…I have no ill-feelings against anyone.”
The sloganeering continued for about 30 minutes after which the House was adjourned till 3 p.m. It continued when the House reassembled, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till Wednesday.
Tuesday's proceedings were held without Leader of the Opposition as the BJP is yet to name a person for the job. Ajay Bhatt of the BJP said the party wanted the Vijay Bahuguna government to prove its majority before taking up legislative businesses.
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