The Budget Session of Uttar Pradesh legislature, which begins on Wednesday, is likely to be a stormy one as determined opposition is set to floor the government on the issues like corruption of ministers, frequent transfers of officers, prevailing power crisis and deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
The Opposition is likely to create ruckus on the opening day of the budget session when Governor Ram Naik will address the joint session of the legislature. “The Government is to answer on prevailing lawlessness and prevailing farmers’ plight. There is no Government. It is goonda raj that prevails in UP,” leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Swamy Prasad Maurya said.
All opposition parties are determined to nail the government but unity still eludes them. There is no opposition strategy to unitedly raise the issues against the government. “The onus of opposition unity is with BSP as it is the largest opposition party in the House. The leader of opposition has not taken any initiative to convene a meeting of opposition parties. We will of our own raise the issues like non-payment of cane dues and power crisis,” BJP state president laxmikant Bajpai said.
He said corruption among ministers is a big issue. It is a big fallacy that one hand lokayukta is probing corruption cases against ministers on the other these ministers would be answering law makers’ queries. Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Mathur said that they will oppose the government on selective issues. WE have done our home work and will raise pro-people issues,” he said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Azam Khan said that the Government was ready to face opposition. “The government has done tremendous work in last one year. We wish to showcase our achievements and if opposition finds fault with our policies we will try to answer their queries. But first the opposition should make up its mind to have discussions rather than making noises in the House,” he told The Pioneer.
He said that the government wants healthy discussions on every point of the budget. It not only helps opposition but also helps the Government. Of late, Opposition is shying away from debate. It is more interested in grabbing headlines by creating ruckus. “The Opposition parties do not have issues therefore they make unnecessary noises. We wish better sense will prevail this time and they (Opposition leaders) will raise pro-people issues,” parliamentary affairs minister said.
Knowing fully well that the budget session is crucial Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has asked all the ruling party MlAs to be regular in Budget session and take part in the Vidhan Sabha proceedings. He said that the presence of all the MlAs in the House encourages the ministers. Chief Minister also asked the ministers, particularly cabinet ministers, to come prepared in the House so that they can give answers to the Opposition queries. Principal Secretary, Vidhan Sabha secretariat, Pradeep Dubey said that the budget session will continue till March 27. Akhilesh Yadav, who also holds the Finance portfolio will present the budget on February 24 after the question hour at 1220 hrs.