Both govt and opposition hold each other responsible

Bhopal, Nov 28: The winter session of state assembly concluded here in just three days setting a sort of record in legislative history of Madhya Pradesh. Not a single question was raised during question hour in three days and no discussion on any issue was done in the House. Yet, in the ‘temple of democracy’ both the government and opposition touted it as their victory and sought to blame the other for unscheduled closure.

Congress leaders claim that they have gained a lot by insisting on chief minister's resignation. But in reality, they simply disrupted the House proceedings and backtracked when it came to discuss the similar issue on which they had been demanding resignation of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. There was no answer to a pointed query why the opposition was seeking chief minister's resignation when the probe was yet to arrive at any conclusion. Insiders said the Congress’ stand reeked of double standards too.

When apex court was approached on continuation of ‘tainted ministers’, the Congress led UPA coalition had asserted that mere allegations or FIRs do not suffice unless the person(s) in question were accused of serious criminal charges. Moreover, the opposition failed in bringing 'No confidence motion' against the government in assembly. However, after the adjournment of the House, Leader of the Opposition Jamuna Devi issued the draft of 'No confidence motion' to media persons.

This was for the first time, when the ruling BJP seemed in attacking mood on the issue of 'dumper purchase'. The main opposition Congress had been raising the issue fort he past four months after the Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) raised the issue. Sources claimed that the main reason behind the opposition coming on back-foot was that there was no unity among the MLAs. The issue reached to such an extent only in the presence of former chief minister Digvijay Singh. Besides, the Congress leaders had come to know that the BJP has come in attacking mood and ‘well-equipped’ with the list of all the leaders whose dumpers are being engaged with JP Cement and other firms, and old cases registered against Congress leaders would be re-opened.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker termed the episode as unfortunate and stated that he did not have any other option to overcome this situation of deadlock. "Since, the opposition had already decided not to allow the House to run, I had little option, but I tried my level best," he added. Leader of the Opposition Jamuna Devi claimed that abrupt adjournment of the House was against the rules and claimed that the opposition would in the future boycott Chief Minister in the assembly. Under this, Chouhan would not be considered leader of the House and no questions would be asked to him, she added.