Opposition Congress members on Tuesday staged a walkout in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly over the alleged delay in the replacement of damaged transformers after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government was put into the dock by one of its own party members.
When the matter was raised by BJP member Kunwarji Kothar during the Question Hour, Energy Minister Rajendra Shukla said 63 transformers were replaced in Rajgarh within the time period where no electricity bills were pending. However, there was delay in conveying 26 transformers as approach road was not available.
Kothari said that rich people who owe huge amounts as electricity dues to the power distribution company were getting unhindered power supply, while poor farmers were being penalised for delay in clearing their dues and are being denied energy. Alleging that several transformers were not being replaced though electricity bills were not pending, Congress member Sunderlal Tiwari sought to raise a question. However, Speaker Sitasharan Sharma disallowed him stating the matter did not arise from the question. Congress members created a ruckus over the issue and later staged a walkout. At times, several members of the Congress spoke at a time plunging the House in din. Similar issues were raised by other members pertaining to their respective areas during the Question Hour.
Bahujan Samaj Party member Usha Choudhary raised the issue of delay in replacing transformers in Satna. She said electricity connection of farmers had been cut but they were still receiving huge power bills.
likewise, BJP member Vishnu Khatri raised the matter of delay in replacing transformers in rural areas of Bhopal. He alleged that majority had paid their electricity bills but were still facing troubles.