BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan reiterated in the State Assembly on Friday that he had never been served any court warrant in connection with a 1996 case linked to a protest demonstration by girl students in the Goharganj Police station area of his constituency.

Mr. Chauhan was replying to a marathon discussion brought up in the Assembly through an adjournment motion by Congress MLA, Govind Singh and 11 others. It was pointed out through the motion that Mr. Chauhan had been sworn-in as Chief Minister on November 29 while there was a court warrant against him and steps had been initiated at the State Government level to withdraw the case after he became the Chief Minister.

The Congress led Opposition's main assertion during the discussion, which went beyond four hours, was that the Chief Minister had acted against the spirit of the Constitution by taking his oath when there was a warrant against him.

The leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi even went to the extent of seeking the Chief Minister's resignation on this count and saying that if he failed to do so they would take the matter to court.

Many from the ruling side had earlier emphasised that the Constitution does not debar any one from becoming the Chief Minister even if there was a court warrant against him.

Mr. Chauhan said in his reply that there was no logic behind the adjournment motion. Focussing attention on his overriding faith in democracy, he said that such discussions cannot be avoided.

The Chief Minister said that he draws inspiration from Bhagwad Gita and said that he pursues politics with total transparency and commitment. Politics for him is neither a hobby nor a profession but his religion.

Since his childhood days, he has been pursuing politics for national reconstruction, people's welfare and the progress of the State, he said adding that his belief is to fight against injustice.

The Chief Minister said that he had been arrested and released when he had joined a road blockade by some girl students.

After being released, he had neither been served any warrant nor informed about the court case although he had visited Goharganj several times in the last few years.

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