Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Speaker committed colossal gaffe while counting votes on confidence motion, says Former Deputy Speaker
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 3, 2022: The Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan has committed a colossal gaffe while announcing the result of the votes on the confidence motion on the floor of the House today. It was an embarrassing imprudence on the part of the Speaker and a sad reflection on the wisdom of the ‘Chair’ to count a vote or the votes against the explicit wish of the Hon’ble member of the House.
This was expressed by former Punjab Deputy Speaker Bir Devinder Singh.
"I wonder how the Speaker Sandhwan has decided to count, two more additional votes for the motion, in the absence of any expression by Manpreet Singh Ayali (SAD) and Nachhatar Pal (BSP) in favor of the motion, particularly when both Hon’ble members were present and seated on the opposition benches? Even if both these members raised their hand, neither in favor nor against the motion; how could Speaker at his own construe that the silence means support to the motion, as per rules of the House ; even in this situation their votes cannot be counted for the motion. Rule 88 (2) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, unambiguously states: “A member is not obliged to vote”. So, a member despite being present in the house at the time of the Division of the votes is not obliged to vote compulsorily," expressed Bir Devinder Singh.
"The Hon’ble Speaker must rectify this ‘Titanic Error’ immediately by asking the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat to issue a ‘Special apology Bulletin’ by the Speaker, making necessary correction on the basis of the communication received from both the members of the House, raising serious objection on the ruling of the Speaker. And if a Vidhan Sabha bulletin regarding the proceedings of the sitting of the house has already been issued than necessary corrigendum must be issued forthwith," he added.
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