Bengal Assembly's Final Pre-Election Session Commences with Vote-on-Account and Key Debates
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly is poised to convene its final session before the upcoming state elections, with proceedings set to initiate on Tuesday. This critical vote-on-account session, decided at an all-party meeting held on Monday in Kolkata, will see significant legislative activities unfold over the coming days.
Session Schedule and Key Proceedings
The assembly session will officially commence on Tuesday, with the highly anticipated vote-on-account scheduled to be tabled on Thursday. According to Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, the session will begin with the Governor's address on Thursday morning. In the second half of the same day, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya will present the vote-on-account, outlining the state's interim financial arrangements.
Friday's proceedings will feature a detailed discussion on a resolution concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Additionally, the assembly will deliberate on the state's interim budget proposal and engage in discussions following the Governor's address, making this a packed legislative agenda.
Absence of BJP and Significance of SIR Debate
Notably, no representative from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was present at the all-party meeting that finalized these arrangements. This absence adds a layer of political context to the session, which is expected to be the last before the assembly elections, likely scheduled for April.
Speaker Biman Banerjee emphasized the importance of the SIR debate, revealing that several deaths have occurred since the Special Intensive Revision began in Bengal. He stated that the government believes a thorough discussion on this matter is essential, highlighting concerns over the voter roll revision process.
Political Implications and Election Preparations
This session holds substantial political weight as it represents the final legislative gathering before West Bengal heads to the polls. The vote-on-account will provide interim financial authority to the government until a full budget can be passed after the elections. The discussions on the SIR and interim budget are expected to set the tone for the upcoming electoral battle, with all eyes on how these debates unfold in the assembly.
The meticulous planning of this session underscores the assembly's commitment to addressing critical issues even in the pre-election period, ensuring that governance continues smoothly during the transition to a new electoral mandate.
