Attacking the BJP, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Friday said the Opposition had worked against the spirit of democracy by boycotting the entire Budget session of the Assembly.
“The leader of Opposition (Prem Kumar Dhumal) and the members have failed in their prime responsibility of taking up public issues in the Assembly, which is the most important platform,” the Chief Minister said in his concluding remarks in the Assembly that was adjourned sine die. He called the total boycott a well thought-out strategy of the BJP. “There was no reason for the boycott. The government did put in efforts to make them attend the session, but they did not relent.”
Virbhadra Singh said he had never heard of such a stand by any Opposition party across the country. “Even in the lok Sabha, parties stage walkouts on issues for short periods and then come back,” he said. He said it was unfortunate the BJP members came to the Vidhan Sabha complex and sat outside under the sun, rather than participate in important debates.