Refuting BJP’s allegations of discriminatory behavior against its MLAs during <g data-gr-id="39">budget</g> session, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Wednesday said <g data-gr-id="40">equal</g> opportunity was given to them but they failed to utilise it constructively.
Goel also alleged that the BJP MLAs’ intention was to raise their voice instead of raising valid questions during the 6-day session. He asserted that all the three BJP MLAs were given opportunities to express their views on each day of the session, but they did not utilise it for constructive debate. “I allotted time to all the three BJP MLAs. On the first two days, BJP MLAs created <g data-gr-id="46">ruckus</g> and I was forced to send them out. But, after two days, they participated in the budget session.
“I gave 20 minutes to Vijendra <g data-gr-id="36">Gupta</g> but he spoke for 45 minutes. O P Sharma did not turn up in the Assembly when he was given the time. AAP MLAs are questioning me for allotting more time to <g data-gr-id="34">opposition</g>,” Goel said at a press conference at the Assembly. The BJP had alleged that a state of emergency was prevailing inside the House.
“Whenever we want to say something, we are shouted down. Every time we want to make a valid point, a ruckus is created. We are treated as strangers in the House. We expect the Speaker to not promote undemocratic and unhealthy traditions and give respect to the Opposition,” BJP MLA O P Sharma had said during the Assembly session. The Speaker said the Opposition did not raise issues that were relevant. He also disapproved damaging of government property in apparent reference to Sharma breaking a mike in the Assembly allegedly over not being allowed to speak.
“I was expecting Opposition to <g data-gr-id="44">raise</g> the important issue of Tihar Jail <g data-gr-id="45">security</g> but they took up the sub-judice matter of ACB in the House. They (BJP) should have discussed VAT <g data-gr-id="43">bill</g> but they tore the bill and walked away. I agreed that they should register their <g data-gr-id="42">dissent</g> but they should participate in the proceeding. Opposition work is to highlight <g data-gr-id="41">weakness</g> of the government and its budget,” Goel said.