Gandhinagar: Peeved by disruptions caused by Congress MLAs in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Gujarat Finance Minister Saurabh Patel suggested bringing in "provision" in next session to tie them in their seats to ensure they remain seated quietly and do not "jump".
Patel flew off the handle when the Congress legislators interrupted him several times during his speech. Though his unusual suggestion evoked peals of laughter in treasury benches, the Congress took it seriously and complained to Deputy Speaker about his remarks.
It all started when Patel, while delivering his speech on budgetary allocations of Energy department, started slamming Congress legislators, particularly senior MLA Shaktisinh Gohil, on various issues.
Ahead of Patel's address, Gohil sarcastically referred to the former's speech in 2014, saying the minister had opposed the GST Bill and 'thanked' him for going against the legislation which the Modi government wanted to be passed.
"In an empowered committee meeting held in December 2014, when BJP-led NDA had came to power in Centre, Patel said in his speech that GST Bill of the Modi Government is anti-Make in India," Gohil said.
He claimed Patel had said that the GST Bill was a deterrent to manufacturing states like Gujarat. In his response, Patel said Gohil has misinterpreted his speech.
Patel clarified what he meant was he is in favour of the bill but had only given some suggestions keeping in mind the interest of Gujarat.
The minister also hit back Gohil who has been alleging that Energy department was insensitive to the power woes of farmers. Gohil had earlier alleged that excessive VAT was being collected on fuels in Gujarat compared to other states.
During his speech, Patel was interrupted several times by the opposition MLAs who jumped off their seats and interrupted Patel.
"When you (Gohil) spoke, I did not interrupt you even once. Now, when it's my turn, you are not allowing me. Why you all cannot not sit quietly? What's troubling you? Why are you jumping off your seats frequently?" Patel asked the opposition MLAs.
When Deputy Speaker Atmaram Parmar tried to calm frayed tempers, Patel said, "In the next session, I will bring a provision to tie you up with seat belts so you are fixed to your respective seats. I think that will make you sit through my speech and stop you from standing up frequently. This is the best solution for you."
Patel's remark created chaos in the House. Gohil took a strong objection to the remarks and complained to Deputy Speaker, saying that being a senior minister Patel should not use such language in the House.
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