Synopsis
On March 17, Congress staged a walkout in Bhopal, protesting a purportedly fabricated Maoist encounter in Mandla. The opposition demanded an investigation, criticizing the government's response, which led to further calls for accountability and a judicial inquiry.Key Takeaways
- Congress protested against a fabricated Maoist encounter.
- Walkout occurred during the MP budget session.
- Calls for investigation faced resistance from the government.
- Concerns voiced over lawlessness and corruption in Madhya Pradesh.
- Family of the deceased demands compensation and government jobs.
Bhopal, March 17 (NationPress) The principal opposition faction, Congress, executed a walkout as a demonstration against what they assert was a contrived "Maoist" encounter in Mandla on March 9.
The Congress legislators insisted on a comprehensive inquiry into the occurrence, but their appeals were met with opposition. Amidst chants and perceived inaction, the Congress representatives departed from the Assembly on Monday.
Omkar Singh Markam, a member of the Assembly from Congress, articulated his discontent, accusing the government of shirking accountability.
He condemned Assembly Speaker Narendra Tomar for dismissing their requests and labeled the BJP government's position as authoritarian. In a show of solidarity, Congress lawmakers boycotted the Assembly sessions.
Simultaneously, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya presented the Madhya Pradesh Nagar and Gram Nivesh Amendment Bill, shifting the Assembly's focus towards legislative agendas.
Subsequent discussions on the state budget ensued shortly thereafter.
Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath also made his presence known in the Assembly.
Commenting on recent events, including the murder of an Assistant Sub-Inspector in Mauganj and a confrontation between a lawyer and police in Indore, he expressed grave concerns regarding governance in the state.
"Madhya Pradesh has transformed into a center of lawlessness and corruption," he stated, drawing attention to the national spotlight on these issues.
The controversy surrounding the alleged Maoist encounter in Mandla on March 9 continues to intensify. The family of the deceased, along with Congress and the Gondwana Ganatantra Party, have raised significant doubts about the incident.
Jitu Patwari, Congress state president, took to social media, urging the state government to initiate a thorough investigation.
Kamlesh Tekam, state head of the Gondwana Ganatantra Party, declared intentions to file a writ petition in the High Court and warned of a protest movement commencing on March 25 if no actions are taken.
Congress MLA Narayan Patta visited Lasare Tola in Khatia, the home village of the deceased, and called for a judicial inquiry after engaging with the local residents.
Visro Bai, the widow of Hiran Singh—the individual killed in the encounter—disclosed that her husband had been battling mental health challenges. She mentioned he left home armed only with an axe and a water bottle and was reportedly caught in crossfire between police and Maoists. She has called for a job for her children and compensation of Rs 50 lakh from the authorities.
