Congress protests outside speaker’s office over Barad’s suspension

GANDHINAGAR: In wake of the announcement of byelection in Talala assembly by the Election Commission of India (ECI) the Congress party staged a protest in front of the office of the assembly speaker Rajendra Trivedi on Wednesday. Congress demanded the withdrawal of suspension of Bhaga Barad as MLA and his reinstatement. The speaker, however, refused to take any action as the issue is pending resolution before the high court. To this, the Congress said it was willing to withdraw the petition filed in high court if Trivedi withdrew Barad’s suspension.


Bhagabhai Barad, senior MLA of the Congress party from Talala assembly constituency in

Junagadh district

had been suspended by the

Gujarat

assembly speaker Rajendra Trivedi after Barad was convicted in an illegal mining case by a taluka court.

Paresh Dhanani

, leader of opposition (LOP) in the state assembly said, “The speaker, under the influence of BJP has suspended our MLA Bhagabhai Barad without giving a chance to represent his side. We requested him to reinstate Barad as the people of Talala had given him the electoral mandate for five years.”

Dhanani added, “Removing him like this without giving him chance to go before the higher court is illegal and immoral. Congress will fight for the rights of Bhagabhai and the people of Talala.’’