The Congress on Monday staged a walkout on the first day of ongoing Budget Session demanding the resignation of the Minister Sandeep Singh who is facing the serious allegations of sexual harassment
and molestation.
The Congress stalwart and the Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda raised the issue opposing the continuation of Minister Sandeep Singh. Along with the party legislators raising anti-government slogans, he demanded that Sandeep Singh should resign immediately as it is a matter of serious concern.
Reacting to the demand of Congress legislators the Chief Minister, Manohar Lal said that his resignation would not be sought as inquiry is pending and till then he could not hold Sandeep Singh guilty. Heated argument took place between the Chief Minister and Hooda pertaining to the issue and Hooda demanded the inquiry should be handed over to the CBI.
The Congress walked out after the CM refused to remove Sandeep Singh from the cabinet berth. Pertaining to the issue, tempers flared and a heated exchange of words took place between the Chief Minister and Hooda. The Chief Minister strongly opposed the demand of Hooda saying that ‘ Isteefa Nahi lenge, Isteefa Nahin Lenge, Isteefa Nahin Lenge”. He further said that Sandeep Singh would remain in the cabinet until the probe completes. In wake of the seriousness of the matter, Sandeep Singh’s portfolio was taken by him so that the fair and transparent inquiry can be conducted.
Opposition MLAs took on the state government on various issues, including the demolition of properties allegedly belonging to those involved in drug trafficking or other criminal acts, contaminated water, inadequate action on corruption, and poor sports infrastructure in a few districts.
Hooda said that till the allegations are investigated, the Chief Minister should seek the resignation of the minister or the minister himself should resign on moral grounds. After the address of Governor Bandaru Dattatrey, the Congress MLAs raised the demand for the resignation of the accused minister in the House and following the issue, Party MLAs walked out of the house in protest. Speaking at the Governor’s address, Hooda said that the government should be ashamed of the law and order situation in the state, but it is patting itself on the back. While the social progress report of the Union government itself says that Haryana is at the bottom in terms of civil security,