Chaos in Jharkhand Assembly: 18 BJP MLAs Suspended Amid Protests

Eighteen Jharkhand BJP MLAs were suspended after chaotic protests in the assembly. They were protesting against the eviction of opposition MLAs and demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation. The Speaker called in marshals to remove the suspended members who refused to leave. The opposition claims the state government is acting like a dictatorship.

Eighteen BJP MLAs from Jharkhand were suspended from the assembly until 2 PM on August 2. The suspensions came after they caused chaos in the House on Thursday, protesting against the eviction of opposition MLAs by marshals the day before and Chief Minister Hemant Soren's refusal to answer their queries.

Leader of the Opposition Amar Bauri alleged dictatorship prevails in Jharkhand. BJP legislators entered the well ahead of the session, shouting slogans demanding Chief Minister Soren's resignation, and tearing documents in protest.

With the chaos continuing, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto suspended 18 BJP legislators. When they refused to leave, the Speaker called in marshals to remove them. The BJP claims the Speaker, acting on behalf of the JMM-led government, has 'murdered' democracy in the state. The Assembly Ethics Committee will investigate the incident and submit a report within a week.

(With inputs from agencies.)