Facing resentment of sorts from within in the third year of power, the Congress is set to bring its ‘discontented’ legislatures on a same page.
After an open outburst by some of the party MLAs during the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting on Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has convened an all-MLA meeting on Monday evening to listen to their grievances and suggestions.
The meeting comes at a time when the party leaders are not too satisfied with the way matters of grave concern are being handled in the State including the issues of sacrilege and related firing incidents, drug menace coupled with action against rival political leaders, especially the Badals. Besides, the MLAs alleged that no development works are being undertaken in their segments.
Notably, several party MLAs had raised the issue with the Chief Minister during a meeting at Vidhan Sabha convened, after the conclusion of House proceedings on the first day of the monsoon session, to discuss the floor strategy.
During the meeting, some of the MLAs minced no words to attack their own government for slow pedalling over the issue of sacrilege and punishing the guilty. Besides, some of the MLAs lashed out at their own Ministers for not paying heed to their requests and demands.
The Congress lawmakers expressed their concern over the State Government’s sluggish pace in significant issues, concerning the state and the people, which may make it difficult for them to face the voters ahead of next elections.
Taking note of the same, the Chief Minister has decided to convene a meeting of all party MLAs, to listen to their grievances, and resolve their issues.
“People have now started coming out questioning the leaders, as was seen during the Lok Sabha elections. They have become more aware of the issues and are judging the government’s performance at every step. To be in the power, the government has to perform, and, in fact, fulfil its promises,” said a Congress MLA, requesting anonymity, while talking with The Pioneer.
The legislator said that the Congress came to power as people were against the Badals, and we promised them to act against them for their misrule. “But, if we fail to act against them, we may also have to face people’s ire,” added the MLA.
The meeting on Monday evening, to be held after the House proceedings, is expected to be stormy. It has been learnt that several party MLAs have decided to raise their issues with the Chief Minister openly “without any hesitation”.
“It is our government and we have to tell those in power what is wrong and appreciate for what they are doing right. If the Chief Minister has called a meeting to listen to us, we should speak without any hesitation so that the Government can improve where it is lacking,” said a young MLA.