Congress MLAs' Protest March Sparks Chaos at Haryana Assembly
Chaos erupted on the roads leading to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh on Tuesday as Congress MLAs organized a protest march during the third day of the Haryana Assembly's budget session. The demonstration caused significant disruptions, with MLAs blocking the main gates typically used by legislators, the Chief Minister, and the Speaker.
Protest Disrupts Assembly Proceedings and Access
The sit-in dharna at the Assembly gate forced Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini and other ministers to take an alternative route through the common entrance shared with Punjab MLAs. This move inconvenienced many, including litigants, lawyers, judiciary officials, and the general public, triggering a sharp debate within the Assembly.
Congress MLAs, led by HPCC president Rao Narender Singh and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Hooda, marched from a small roundabout to the Assembly premises. They carried placards protesting against issues such as the HPSC, HSSC, fraud, and old age pension problems. The protest culminated at the Assembly, leading to heated discussions between the treasury and opposition benches.
Heated Debates Over Democratic Rights and Designated Protest Areas
MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora sought a ruling from Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan on the protest's impact, sparking a debate between Hooda and the treasury benches. Hooda defended the protest as a democratic right, insisting that the administration should make necessary arrangements. In response, Chief Minister Nayab Saini argued that if a protest was necessary, it should have been held at the designated area in Sector 25, Chandigarh, to avoid disruptions.
The day's proceedings were marked by intense verbal exchanges, including a notable clash between INLD and Congress MLAs. The Speaker eventually adjourned the sitting until Wednesday at 11 am after discussions on the conduct of Congress MLAs during the protest.
Vinesh Phogat Challenges Sports Minister on Infrastructure
Congress MLA and international wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat from Julana constituency raised concerns about sports infrastructure, particularly the lack of a proper swimming pool in her area. She challenged Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam to swim in village ponds where children practice, citing health risks like allergies.
"I shall quit after you are found to be healthy after swimming through the ponds where children practise. They often complain about allergies," Phogat stated. Gautam responded by emphasizing the Haryana government's ongoing efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure across the state.
Government Announcements on Healthcare and Urban Development
During the session, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao announced plans to recruit 450 new doctors soon, ensuring no future shortages. She highlighted that over 1,400 doctors were recruited in the past year, a record compared to pre-2014 levels, with appointments based on statewide needs.
Additionally, Haryana Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi revealed proposals to expand metro rail connectivity from Gurugram to Bhondsi. A consultant, M/s RITES, was appointed on December 4, 2025, to prepare for a 17.09 km Metro corridor from Bhondsi Village to Railway Station via key chowks.
Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel provided updates on regularizing colonies identified in 2022–23 and 2024 surveys, expecting completion within three months. He noted that 94 colonies under the former Municipal Corporation, Ambala, were declared deficient in civic amenities in a 2014 notification.
