Congress stages walkout over ‘anti-tribal’ remark

As the speech was in progress,Congress members pointed out that the ruling party had misled tribals into voting for BJP candidates. The minister responded saying the Congress had managed tribals into voting for its candidates by distributing bidi and bhoongla (a type of fish) to them.

Objecting to this,Congress whip Iqbal Patel raised a point of order and demanded withdrawal of the allegedly derogatory remark.

The Speaker promised to take suitable action after checking records but the Congress would not budge. Cooperation and Agriculture Minister Dileep Sangahani was forced to raise a point of order that when a minister was speaking no member can raise a point of order at that time on his words.

Subsequently,Congress members staged a walkout for rest of the day.

Later,senior MLA Siddharth Patel said it was unfortunate that the minister used extremely insulting words for the tribal community at a time when a serious discussion on neglect of the community,declining budget and slow progress of projects in their areas was on.