Chaos erupts in Haryana Assembly as Opposition demands Minister's resignation

The Haryana assembly session encountered turmoil as opposition Congress legislators protested and demanded the resignation of state sports minister Sandeep Singh, who was recently charged with sexual harassment and assault of an athletics coach. Amidst the uproar, the assembly was adjourned for half an hour on Monday afternoon.

Opposition's demand for resignation

As Zero Hour began, Congress MLAs vociferously called for Sandeep Singh's resignation, citing the sexual harassment charges brought against him by the Chandigarh Police. Despite Speaker Gian Chand Gupta's plea to continue with the proceedings, highlighting that the matter was under judicial scrutiny and discussion couldn't be entertained, the Congress members persisted and moved to the well of the House, prompting the adjournment.

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Questions about Inaction

Congress leaders questioned the lack of action against the minister despite the chargesheet filed against him. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the former chief minister and Congress legislature party leader, reiterated the call for Sandeep Singh's immediate resignation on moral grounds. Hooda also suggested that if the minister didn't step down, the chief minister should seek his resignation.

Chief Minister's Response

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed the assembly on the second day of the monsoon session, asserting that no action could be taken against Sandeep Singh while the matter was under consideration by a Chandigarh court. He emphasized that due to the ongoing legal proceedings, discussing the issue was not permissible.

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Communal Violence Discussion Denied

Amidst the heated exchange between the opposition and the ruling benches, Congress MLAs also pressed for a discussion on recent communal violence in Nuh. However, the Speaker denied their request, pointing out that the matter regarding house demolitions was already in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, thereby preventing further discussion on the topic. The assembly's disruption underlines the deep-seated disagreements between the opposition and the government, centering on the charged issue of Sandeep Singh's alleged misconduct and broader communal violence concerns.