Ruckus erupts inside MCD house on last day of budget session

     New Delhi, Mar 19 (PTI) Chaos erupted in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House on Wednesday as councilors from the AAP and BJP engaged in heated exchanges, drawing the mayor's rebuke.
     AAP and BJP councillors stood on tables and chairs and raised slogans against each other. AAP members chanted "Gundagardi Nahi Chalega," while BJP councillors responded with "Arvind Kejriwal Sharm Karo, Mayor Sharm Karo."
     Meanwhile, Congress councillors displayed a banner that read, "Samvidhan Humari Pehchan Hai, Samvidhan Ki Hatya Band Karo."
     Councillors were caught on video pushing each other, tearing papers, and throwing their bits at one another.
     MCD Mayor Mahesh Khichi claimed that BJP councillors snatched mic from him.
     Khichi said that despite it being the last day of the budget session, the opposition refused to cooperate and disrupted proceedings.
     During a press conference, Khichi alleged, "Opposition councilors stood on the table and tore up the list of key points that were to be discussed in the House."
     He claimed that for the past two years, the opposition had continuously been disrupting House proceedings, preventing discussions from taking place.
     "They did the same this time as well … This kind of behaviour towards a Dalit Mayor is inappropriate and goes against the Constitution," Khichi said.
     AAP councillor Shagufta Chaudhary said, "We had to pass the bill today and we were able to pass it, despite the chaos."
     She said that councillors bring their questions and expect discussions in the House. "If the session runs smoothly, everyone gets a chance to be heard," she said.
     Chaudhary also added that the bill was passed without any budget speech or discussion.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)