Opposition BJP boycotting the Budget debate, traditionally initiated by leader of Opposition, came under scathing attack from Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday who said that BJP is giving preference to their leader’s rally than attending the crucial Assembly session.
The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally at Sujanpur of Hamirpur district on February 16. Chief Minister did not take Modi’s name but said the Opposition had a pre-planned agenda and by staging a walkout it was clear they are devoting time in preparation of the rally. “It is unfortunate and there was no reason for them to stage a walkout,” said Virbhadra Singh. Opposition MlAs on Monday did not even enter the premises of the Vidhan Sabha. It is the for the first time in the history of the State that the Opposition has been staging boycott of Budget and Budget debate after staging a walkout from the Governor’s address.
Traditionally, leader of Opposition initiates the Budget debate but in the absence of Opposition, independent MlA Maheshwar Singh initiated the debate and lauded the efforts of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for bringing people-centric Budget. He also criticised the Opposition boycott and walkouts and asked the State Government for speedy investigation of scams and misdeeds of previous Government. “I know media will term my address as one given by a B-team of Congress, but the fact could not be changed and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh efforts to revive the State’s economy cannot be denied,” he said.
Singh a former MP from BJP had formed rebel outfit Himachal lokhit Party and was the only MlA to win from his newly floated party. He also suggested for tarring of roads and diversions of traffic from important roads to lesser important roads. Congress MlA Asha Kumari also lashed out at Opposition saying that they are running away from their responsibility by not attending the Budget debate. She termed the boycott as an unhealthy parliamentary practice.
On the other hand, State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti blamed Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for the impasse. “Chief Minister has been off and on giving humiliating statements against BJP MlAs and leaders both inside and outside the House. Till the Chief Minister seeks public apology, our protest would continue,” said Satti.