Bhopal, March 16 Amid questions over the Kamal Nath government's longevity, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon's annoyance over abrupt adjournment of proceedings and a loaded statement before BJP legislators remained a topic of discussion here on Monday.
Shortly before the Governor was to start for the Vidhan Sabha at 10.50 a.m., he received a letter from the Chief Minister calling his letter ordering a trust vote unconstitutional. "It does not lie within the domain of the Governor to interfere with the functions of the Speaker," said the Chief Minister. The Governor is not a guide or advisor to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
"The Governor cannot expect the Speaker to act in the manner in which the Governor thinks constitutionally appropriate. Both the Governor and the Speaker have their own independent constitutional responsibilities," said the Chief Minister's six-page letter.
There was speculation that the Governor could stay away from the proceedings. He sought advice from Constitutional experts and agreed to proceed. He delayed his departure for nine minutes to formally inaugurate the session at 11.10 a.m. and returned to Raj Bhavan in 11 minutes without reading the full address.
Once the Speaker adjourned the House without conducting the floor test 106 MLAs including Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached the Raj Bhavan and were paraded in front of the Governor. They complained about his directive not being followed.
One of the MLAs captured the dramatic sequence of events. The Governor asked the MLAs if they had come to him voluntarily? To this, the legislators said "yes" in unison. "Is there any pressure," he asked. They said, "Absolutely not." At this the Governor said: "Now it is my responsibility to save democracy. Your rights will not be violated."
"My instructions should have been followed. I know how to get my instructions complied with," he said. The statement was interpreted for its diverse connotations.
The BJP has accused the government of violating Constitutional provisions. Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava said the Kamal Nath government has disregarded the Governor's instructions.
"Kamal Nath's government is in a minority. The Governor, therefore, ordered a floor test. If there was a majority, why did government avoid the test? We have also moved the Supreme Court," said Chouhan.
( With inputs from IANS )