Shimla: In a dramatic action, Himachal
Pradesh Health Minister Rajeev Bindal resigned on Monday after
opposition Congress members in the assembly levelled charges
of corruption against him and created pandemonium during the
Question Hour.
The action by Bindal, who made a point-by-point rebuttal
of the charges against him, came after he concluded his reply,
went up to the table of Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and
handed over his resignation letter to him.
Later talking to reporters in his chamber, Dhumal said it
was not the first time that the charges have been brought
against Bindal and his resignation was an emotional outburst.
"But if there is anything new in them, we will look into
it", said the Chief Minister without answering a pointed
question if he has accepted or rejected the resignation.
Earlier, the leader of the opposition Vidya Stokes was on
her feet immediately after the House assembled and wanted to
know about the fate of the adjournment motion regarding
corruption charges levelled against Bindal by Himachal Lokhit
Party leaders even before the Question Hour could begin.
Speaker Tulsi Ram said the adjournment motion could not
be accepted under the rules as it was not an immediate urgent
matter and read out some rulings to buttress his contention.
At this, the Congress members trooped into the well of the
House and shouted slogans even as the Speaker went ahead with
the Question Hour.
The Congerss members remained in the well till the
Question Hour was over and left the House after the Speaker
proceeded with the business listed for the day.
PTI
First Published: Monday, March 12, 2012, 19:57