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Wednesday, Mar 23, 2005

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Ruling MLAs force Uttaranchal Assembly adjournment

By Our Staff Correspondent

DEHRA DUN, MARCH 22. The Uttaranchal Vidhan Sabha was today adjourned till March 28 amid a Constitutional crisis of sorts as several ruling Congress MLAs joined former Revenue Minister Harak Singh Rawat seeking a discussion on the conspiracy that forced him to resign from the Cabinet on June 18, 2003.

Responding to the demand amid loud protests by the dissidents, Parliamentary Affairs and PWD Minister Indira Hirdeyesh said the issue could not be discussed in the House as it was sub judice. "The case filed by Mr Rawat against Jenny alias Indira Deuri for defamation and criminal conspiracy to malign his character was listed for hearing on April 5 in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dehra Dun, and as such (the issue) cannot be discussed in the House," she said.

Congress observers feel that the entire drama of forcing adjournments in the Assembly was being stage-managed by supporters of the State Congress president, Harish Rawat, who wanted to become Chief Minister by dislodging Narain Dutt Tiwari.

Visibly upset over the developments, the Congress State general secretary, Dhirendra Pratap, wanted the party MLAs to maintain discipline. "Such issues are better resolved within the party and the floor of the House should not be held to ransom - at least by the ruling party MLAs," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Harish Rawat who was rushed to Dehra Dun by the Congress high command held long parleys with MLAs and leaders of various factions to resolve the crisis. "Mr Rawat has been clearly asked to restore order in the State unit," a senior PCC member said.

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Ruling MLAs force Uttaranchal Assembly adjournment