Opposition leader alleges mayor doesn146;t let him speak in House

8220;We are a democracy and I am the voice of the Opposition in the MCD. But on several occasions, when I have wanted to put across my view, the mayor, who does not want to listen to me, has turned off the microphone,8221; Sharma alleged.

At the MCD8217;s New Meeting Hall, where the proceedings of the House take place, the switches of the microphone are right next to the mayor8217;s seat. 8220;If she disagrees with me on any point and feels that I have valid reasons to object she puts the microphone off,8221; Sharma said.

He said it has happened to him several times. 8220;Initially, I requested the mayor to not do so but she paid no attention. I have written to Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna. The mayor cannot take away from me my right to speak,8221; Sharma said.

Sharma is not the only leader from the Opposition who has not been allowed to speak. Rajesh Rajora, a Congress Councillor, said: 8220;When the MCD was increasing the House Tax, I had some issues. It was three months before I could speak on the issue. Whenever I got up to speak, the mayor put my microphone off. She lets the BJP leaders do their talking and then adjourns the House. The mayor has always been very biased.8221;

8220;If this goes on for long, we will fail to be a effective Opposition,8221; he said.

The mayor, however, said she had given several warnings to Sharma. 8220;He does not maintain the decorum of the House and does not know how to talk. And so I am helpless. I have to give others a chance to speak,8221; Mehra said.

She said she has sent details of proceedings that include recordings to the L-G. 8220;He can go through it and give his opinion,8221; the Mayor said.