Ruckus in LC over Sajjad’s ‘playing to galleries’ remark

Legislators seek Minister’s apology in one voice; Govt says whatever happened is ‘regretful’

Members of Legislative Council Friday created ruckus in the house over the alleged ‘unparliamentary’ comments by Social Welfare Minister, Sajad Lone.
As the House began its proceedings today, all the legislators cutting across party lines stood up from their benches and created uproar. They sought apology from the Minister over his alleged remark to PDP legislator accusing of him of “playing to the galleries for publicity”.
The legislators stated that Minister has accused the PDP MLC, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas of playing to the galleries in order to get his photo published in the media.
Congress MLC, G N Monga said the minister accused the members of ‘playing to the galleries and creating noise.’
Monga termed it as the serious matter concerning the whole house and its sanctity.
He said the members of the august house are public representatives.
“Behavior of ministers towards the legislators is condemnable and yesterday’s incident in which minister used harsh words against the member of house is unfortunate. We have seen that how the ministers are non-serious towards this house,” Monga said seeking apology from the minister in the house.
He said the house was the only platform for the members to raise their issues.
“What is the fun of coming here and participating in discussions when the ministers are not ready to listen,” the member added.
Legislators from all parties including ruling PDP, BJP and Opposition Congress and National Conference joined the chorus and demanded apology from the minister.
Later, PDP legislator Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, said that he didn’t need any publicity.
“I have achieved lot in my life and I am contented with it, but we are here to raise the issues of public, unfortunately this notion is given by the ministers that we are playing to the galleries for cheap publicity which is unfortunate,” he said adding the ministers should behave properly while replying to the queries of the members.
Legislators stood from the house in protest seeking apology from the Minister. They disrupted proceedings of the house for few minutes.
BJP’s Vinod Gupta said the ministers should behave properly. “Behavior of minister is condemnable.”
Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister for Rural Development pacified the situation by terming the incident as “regretful”.
“Whatever has happened It is regretful. The members of the house should be tolerant to each other’s diverse view points. Sometimes there are heated arguments among members or with ministers. We are responsible people so we should tackle such issues in a positive way,” the minister appealed.