Saying CM ignoring their issues, Cong walks out

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 16

Accusing the Chief Minister of failing to address the issue and concerns raised by them, a dissatisfied Congress today staged a walkout in the Vidhan Sabha even as Jai Ram Thakur was yet to complete his reply to the debate on the budget.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri said the budget had failed to reflect what the government intended to do to mobilise resources, create jobs and the loan position. “You are only re-reading the entire budget speech which we heard for two hours 45 minutes on March 9. We are keen to know your reply on specific issue raised by us, “he said. Agnihotri also objected to the repeated reference and castigating of the Congress regime over raising of loans. “Every government has to raise loans for its functioning, which we did and now you are doing, so please do not harp on it,” he objected. The CLP leader interrupted the Chief Minister on several occasions during his reply.

All the opposition members were on their toes and started raising slogans after repeated disruption of the Chief Minister during his speech. Even as the Chief Minister urged them to listen patiently as he would address their concerns, the Opposition members staged a walkout.

“It is clear that the Congress had made up its mind to oppose the budget merely for the heck of it. Today also it was obvious that they have merely performed a ritual of staging a walkout which is totally uncalled for and unjustified,” the CM said.