Refuting the BJP's allegations of discriminatory behaviour against its MlAs during the Budget Session, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Wednesday said equal opportunity was given to them but they failed to utilise it constructively. Goel also alleged that the BJP MlAs' intention was to raise their voice instead of raising valid questions during the six-day Session.
He asserted that all the three BJP MlAs were given opportunities to express their views on each day of the session, but they did not utilise it for constructive debate. "I allotted time to all the three BJP MlAs. On the first two days, BJP MlAs created ruckus and I was forced to send them out. But, after two days, they participated in the Budget Session.
"I gave 20 minutes to Vijendra Gupta but he spoke for 45 minutes. O P Sharma did not turn up in the Assembly when he was given the time. AAP MlAs are questioning me for allotting more time to opposition," Goel said at a Press conference here. The BJP had alleged that a State of emergency was prevailing inside the House.
"Whenever we want to say something, we are shouted down. Every time we want to make a valid point, a ruckus is created. We are treated as strangers in the House. We expect the Speaker to not promote undemocratic and unhealthy traditions and give respect to the Opposition," BJP MlA OP Sharma had said.