Lucknow, Mar 05: In a bid to prevent a repeat of past incidents of violence inside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the speaker is not taking chances and has installed small microphones and replaced glass surface on tables with sunmica. The precautionary steps have been apparently taken by Kesri Nath Tripathi in the wake of a surcharged political atmosphere after the opposition served a notice of non-confidence motion against the Mayawati government. The state assembly has witnessed violence on a few occasions in the past with October 21, 1997 being dubbed as the "darkest day in the history of the state assembly" when mikes were hurled like missiles and glass-layered tables being thrown around. Several legislators were hurt in this violence. "We have ensured that no item is kept inside the assembly which has a potential for causing injuries," Tripathi said today ahead of the crucial sitting of the session.
Tripathi appealed to members to keep calm and conduct themselves in a dignified manner and refain from using unparliamentary language. Members also should take care to avoid rushing to the well of the house and make their observations from their seat only , he said.
Bureau Report