Chaos in Haryana assembly as Congress MLAs allege manhandling

The Haryana assembly witnessed a chaotic scene on Thursday as Congress MLAs alleged that police manhandled them while trying to enter the chamber with placards, prompting the opposition to demand two adjournments. The incident unfolded at the main entrance of the assembly hall, where a group of Congress members attempted to move inside while displaying placards. Police officers blocked the doorway, leading to a physical confrontation that drew the attention of other legislators and staff.

Opposition parties quickly seized on the disruption, calling for the house to be adjourned twice in quick succession. The repeated adjournments were aimed at preventing further disruption and allowed the presiding officer to restore order. The situation escalated when eight Congress MLAs were suspended for the day by the speaker, after the assembly deemed their actions disruptive to the proceedings. Their suspension effectively removed a significant contingent of the opposition from the floor, paving the way for a walkout by the remaining Congress members.

The walkout, which lasted for several minutes, underscored the depth of the disagreement between the ruling party and the opposition. As the Congress legislators exited the chamber, the house was left with a reduced quorum, further delaying the scheduled business. The incident drew sharp reactions from other parties, who described the police action as excessive and called for a review of security protocols within the assembly. While the ruling alliance defended the police response as necessary to maintain law and order, the opposition argued that the use of force was unwarranted and violated the dignity of the assembly.

The Haryana assembly, situated in Chandigarh, is the state legislature responsible for passing laws and overseeing government functions. The episode highlighted the fragile balance between security measures and the procedural freedoms of elected representatives. Sources close to the assembly indicated that the presence of placards was part of a broader protest strategy by the Congress party, which has been critical of the state government’s policies in recent weeks. The police, meanwhile, maintained that their actions were aimed at ensuring that no unauthorized items entered the chamber and that the situation was brought under control swiftly.

Political analysts noted that the episode reflects a growing trend of confrontational politics in the region, where legislative debates are increasingly accompanied by physical altercations and security concerns. The suspension of eight MLAs for the day represents a rare disciplinary measure, emphasizing the seriousness with which the presiding officer viewed the disruption. As the assembly reconvenes after the walkout, the focus will likely shift to addressing the underlying issues that led to the confrontation, including demands for greater transparency in police conduct and the permissible use of placards within the house.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by legislative bodies in balancing public protest with orderly conduct. As the Haryana assembly moves forward, the episode will likely prompt discussions on protocol revisions and the role of security personnel in facilitating, rather than obstructing, the democratic process.

Source: Hindustan Times