BJP legislator suspended for abusing minister in Raj Assembly

An opposition BJP MLA was today suspended from Rajasthan Assembly for one year on the charges of abusing state Minister Rajkumar Sharma in the House.

The decision to suspend Khinvsar MLA Hanuman Beniwal was taken after a 11-member committee of the House checked video footage of the last night's proceedings following strong demand by BJP, which had suspended him from its legislative party in February.

Beniwal, a first-time MLA, was earlier suspended from the House on March 17, 2010 after a verbal spat with state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Government Deputy Chief Whip Ratan Devasi proposed the suspension of Beniwal. The Assembly passed the motion by a voice-vote following which Deputy Speaker Ramnarayan Meena announced the MLA's suspension.

Opposition members staged a walkout demanding action against the Sharma who, they said, was also guilty in the last night's incident.

Beniwal had used abusive language against Minister of State for Medical and Health, Rajkumar Sharma, during a debate on demands related to his department last night.

Before the suspension, the House was adjourned four times.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Leader of Opposition G S Tiwari first raised the incident which took place last night.

He alleged that an MLA used abusive language against Sharma in the House and Deputy Speaker Ramnarayaran Meena should give ruling in the matter.

Tiwari demanded that the Question Hour be suspended and video footage of the House proceedings be checked.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal requested Tiwari to let the House function smoothly and raise the issue during Zero Hour. Tiwari, however, continued to demand ruling in the matter.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home guards and civil defence Rajendra Gudha blamed government chief whip Raghu Sharma for the incident and demanded his suspension.

Both Gudha and Sharma trooped in the Well demanding action against the BJP legislator.

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