MP LoP didn’t seek floor test, claims BJP

Anup Dutta

Bhopal, May 22

A day after the BJP in Madhya Pradesh demanded floor test, claiming the Kamal Nath-led Congress government was in minority, the party’s central leadership expressed unhappiness over state leaders rushing to the media over the issue.

On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition Gopal Bhargava had shot off a letter to the Governor, demanding a special Assembly session to discuss “burning and immediate” issues. He had told the media: “We want to discuss issues of critical importance at the special session and would also see whether this government can sustain itself through division of votes on financial matters”. Bhargava claimed several Congress leaders were “unhappy and ready to cross over”.

His attempt to embarrass the Congress proved futile. Clarifying Bhargava’s stand, state BJP president Rakesh Singh claimed that he (Bhargav) had only urged the Governor to convene a House session to discuss public issues with no mention of a floor test at all. Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sent a report to the central leadership regarding the matter, a senior BJP leader said.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath, who is president of the state Congress, accused the BJP of creating confusion among farmers over gram and wheat procurement and payments. He said his government has offered bonus on wheat and ensured timely payments under the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana.