Tighter security for session

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19.

Unprecedented security measures are being contemplated by the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat during the Budget Session of the Delhi Assembly beginning March 21 to fend off any trouble or prevent untoward incidents during the 11-day sitting.

The security arrangements are being further reinforced in view of the ruckus being witnessed in State Assemblies in view of the revelations of the Tehelka tapes regarding bribes in defence deals. It is felt that in view of the extra-ordinary situation, it would be in the interests of the smooth functioning of the Assembly and its dignity to prevent any ugly incident which could mar the conduct of the proceedings of the House.

It is understood the Assembly Secretariat has conveyed to the police that it was apprehending trouble from the BJP, ruling party members and workers in wake of the Tehelka tapes and as such fool-proof security arrangements should be put in place. It has been made clear that no agitation or protest would be allowed inside the Assembly premises. In fact, the BJP is also holding a dharna outside the Vidhan Sabha on March 21 to lodge their protest against the failure of the Sheila Dikshit Government.

The Budget Session will open with the customary address of the Lieutenant-Governor, Mr. Vijai Kapoor. Keeping in mind the presence of the Lt-Governor in the Vidhan Sabha, the security agencies do not want to leave anything to chance. A ruling party MLA, Mr. Roop Chand, was thrashed up by some people outside the Assembly gate during the last session. The incident had raised the issue of security of the MLAs inside and outside the Assembly following which the Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh, had given strict orders to ensure that no unauthorised person gained entry into the Vidhan Sabha.

Meanwhile, in another development, it is understood the expelled Congress(I) MLA, Mr. Jagdish Anand, is likely to be declared an unattached member and will be allotted a separate seat. This follows the letter to the Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh, by the Chief Whip of the Congress(I), Mr. Mangat Ram Singhal, informing him about the expulsion of Mr. Anand.

Sources said the Assembly Secretariat has decided to allot seat No. 63 to Mr. Anand, which is just behind the Independent MLA, Mr. Ram Singh Netaji. Mr. Anand is expected to be informed about his new seating arrangement in a day or two. The idea is to inform him about his seating before the commencement of the session to avoid any ugly situation.

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