Brewing rifts

Demand for a special session of Madhya Pradesh assembly made by the leader of opposition in Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Gopal Bhargava has given rise to fierce controversy not only between BJP and Congress but also within BJP itself. While Bhargava wanted a special session to test the majority claim of Congress, Rakesh Singh, the state BJP president, has asserted that the party has no intention to seek floor test. In a formal statement issued here, Rakesh Singh has said that party did not demand floor test. Bhargava had written to the Governor Anandi Ben Patel to call assembly session and had demanded a debate on current issues, said Singh.

"Congress is highly nervous. Chief Minister Kamal Nath is only concerned about his own government and does not bother about who makes the government at the Centre" said state BJP Chief. Singh accused Nath of giving irrelevant statements, claiming that Congress was suffering from contradictions and its government would fall soon. Bhargava in his letter to Governor demanded to call a special assembly session for debate on issues. Bhargava's statement has attracted annoyance of central leaders of the party and state party organisation. They are of the opinion that Bhargava took that step without taking party organisation into confidence. BJP organisation is avoiding any move, prior to the declaration of election results, which may cause damage to the party's image and prospects.

Earlier Bhargava in an interaction with media had claimed that the state government was in minority and demanded to prove its majority in the House. Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday accused BJP of trying to poach Congress legislators in Madhya Pradesh. "At least 10 MLAs told me that they are getting calls and are being lured with offers of money and positions. I can reveal their names" he told reporters at the state Congress office.

BJP denied the charges, with Gopal Bhargava saying that it only shows Nath's 'nervousness'. BJP does not believe in horse-trading" he said. Nath said he was not worried by BJP's attempt. Law minister PC Sharma claimed that once Lok Sabha results are out 20 to 25 BJP MLAs will switch over to Congress. They (BJP) are offering money and talking to legislators. Let them, because I am not concerned about it. I have full faith in Congress MLAs and the legislators of parties supporting the government" the CM said. Adding "BJP is making these statements to keep up the morale of its workers".

All MLAs of the ruling coalition were present at a meeting called by Nath to decide counting-day strategy. During the meeting, minister for food and civil supplies Pradyumn Singh Tomar alleged that Congress MLAs are being offered Rs 50 crore by BJP to defect. Asked about this claim Nath said "Arre bhai, pata nahin kya kya karr rahe hain (Don't know what all they are up to)".

Replying to leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly Gopal Bhargava's letter to Governor Anandiben Patel demanding convening of a special session of the state assembly to discuss failures of his government in delivery of services Kamal Nath said Bhargava due to his preoccupation with Lok Sabha polls, may not have paid attention to what his government has done for the people in two and a half months of its regime before the Model Code of Conduct came into effect.

"In 73 days we have fulfilled 85 promises as per party's "Vachan Patra" for the state assembly elections the most significant being loan waiver scheme for the farmers. Loans of 21 lakh farmers have already been waived despite the empty coffers your government left for us. We continue to give the benefit of Bhavantar and incentive scheme on wheat procurement to the farmers" he said. "The state government has procured 68 lakh tonne of Wheat, Grain, Mustard and Pulses from 11.06 farmers. They are being paid money against their produce within a week. You must be knowing what the condition of payment was last year" he added. He said that the LoP wrote to Governor Patel without proper knowledge of Congress government's achievement in such a short span and exhorted Bhargava to keep in touch with him if he wanted an update of what his government was doing for the people of the state.

The issue relating to special Assembly Session has been closed after the Raj Bhavan sources indicated that there is hardly any need for a special session. The issue raised by Bhargava can be discussed in the regular session which is scheduled for the month of July.

(The views expressed are strictly personal)