Delhi Assembly not allowed to introduce Jan Lokpal Bill after 42 MLAs oppose it, says Speaker

Delhi government's efforts to introduce the Jan Lokpal Bill did not get majority support for tabling it in the floor of the Assembly with 42 MLAs voting against the bill. Speaker M S Dhir said that the bill can not be introduced in the house as only 27 members are in favouring it. Voting was taken up this afternoon following pandemonium in the house with opposition parties insisting for it.

Earlier, amid chaos Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he had introduced the bill in the assembly and also called for a discussion on it. However, opposition members objected to the introduction of the bill saying it is unconstitutional. They said the government did not have prior approval from the Lieutenant Governor to introduce the bill.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Harsh Vardhan charged the speaker with bias and said that the house can remove him from the chair. As demanded by the opposition members, Speaker also read out the letter received from LG who had advised him not to allow introduction of the bill. Earlier, the house witnessed two brief adjournments due to chaotic situation.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court agreed to hear on Tuesday a plea against LG's power to prevent tabling of a bill in the Assembly. 

Meanwhile Aam Admi party has called a meeting of senior leaders this evening to discuss the situation which has arising following its failure to get the Jan Lokpal Bill introduced in the assembly. Party spokesperson Yogendra Yadav said that the possibilty of Chief Minister Arvinnd Kejriwal's resignation can not be ruled out. However he said the final decision will be taken in the meeting.