Both the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Congress on Monday announced their plan of action and strategies for the forthcoming Budget Session of the Delhi Assembly.
Addressing a meeting of BJP legislators, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijay Kumar Malhotra accused the Shiela Dikshit Government of failing on all fronts and described the Delhi Government as an epitome of corruption and bad governance, under which the common people have suffered immensely.
In the Legislative Party meeting, the BJP thrashed out its strategy to confront the Government on various important issues during the Budget Session starting from March 13.
Prof. Malhotra said in view of the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi, the BJP has given notices for raising the issues of safety of women, alarming rise in rape cases, increase in the number of children going missing and the general sense of insecurity in the residents.
In addition to this, he said the BJP has given notices for raising the issues of hike in electricity and water tariff, increase in liquid petroleum gas price, and the expenditure of Rs 3,500 crore on cleaning of the Yamuna and how the courts have passed strictures against the Delhi Government in the matter. Apart from this, the BJP has also sought a discussion on regularisation of unauthorised colonies.
In all, Prof. Malhotra said the BJP MLAs have given notice for discussion on 27 critical issues. At the meeting, the party MLAs declared that they would forcefully raise these issues which concern the common people.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Congress Legislative Party spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said the Congress would welcome a discussion on any issue of public interest raised by the BJP.
“The Delhi Government and the Congress Legislative Party is ready for a constructive debate on any issue related to public interest raised by any member in the ensuing Budget Session,’’ he said, hoping that “the major opposition party in the House would raise such issues while respecting democratic values and rules’’.
Mr. Sharma said a few notices submitted by the CLP have been accepted by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the House for discussion.
“The ruling party would initiate a discussion on regularisation of remaining unauthorised colonies and ensuring all civic amenities in such colonies. The BAC has also accepted a notice given by the CLP for discussion in the House on law and order situation in the Capital city.’’
Stating that the Budget Session would offer ample opportunity to the members to raise their issues and join discussions, Mr. Sharma said during three days of discussion on Lieutenant-Governor’s address, the Opposition would have an opportunity to express its views and present constructive suggestions.
The Congress leader said the BAC has also accepted a notice for discussion on rampant corruption in the local bodies and their lukewarm response in serving the interests of the residents in their respective jurisdiction.
The Congress would welcome an open discussion on any issue, Mr. Sharma said, but cautioned that “irresponsible attitude of the major Opposition party would not be tolerated at all’’.
Making a reference to recent black flag protests organised at various Delhi Government functions by the BJP, Mr. Sharma said while such “theatrics’’ were resulting in chaos in public meetings, “similar attitude in the House would be replied suitably’’.
