Haryana Assembly Budget Session Concludes Amidst Rajya Sabha Seat Controversy
The Haryana assembly wrapped up its budget session on Wednesday in a storm of controversy, with proceedings dominated by a heated dispute over one of the two Rajya Sabha seats secured by the Congress. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini firmly stated that the government did not support a third independent candidate, as the session ended amid repeated disruptions and sharp political exchanges.
Session Adjourned After Passage of Bills Amidst Disruptions
The house was adjourned sine die following the passage of five bills, but not before witnessing intense confrontations. Leader of the opposition Bhupinder Hooda and CM Saini engaged in sharp verbal sparring, with Congress and BJP MLAs trading barbs during question hour. The situation grew so volatile that Speaker Harvinder Kalyan was forced to advance the lunch break to restore order.
Congress Protests Alleged Bias in Speaker's Decision
Congress MLAs, who arrived late and missed their chance to raise questions, staged a protest after the speaker permitted independent MLA Devender Kadian to address the Rajya Sabha issue. This move drew allegations of bias from the opposition, with Hooda joining the protest and clashing with treasury benches. Kadian retaliated, labeling the Congress as a "laughing stock," while Congress leaders accused the government of undermining democratic norms.
CM Saini Mounts Counterattack on Congress Allegations
In a robust defense, CM Saini launched a sharp attack on the Congress, asserting that the party itself was guilty of eroding democratic principles. He dismissed Congress's claims of "murder of democracy" as politically motivated, arguing that such statements revealed the party's frustration and weakened democratic discourse. Saini emphasized that the issue did not formally arise for discussion but noted that senior Congress member Raghuvir Singh Kadian, a former speaker, had questioned the necessity of fielding a third candidate.
He also referenced comments by Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal, who alleged that state ministers attempted to poach Congress MLAs. Saini clarified that the third candidate was not government-backed but was an independent fielded by independent members. He stressed that in a democracy, every individual holds the right to contest elections, and the independent candidate had sought support from both the government and Congress. Those who backed him did so according to their conscience, and Saini deemed attempts to cast aspersions on the process as unwarranted.
CM Criticizes Congress Absences During Question Hour
Saini pointed out that a majority of Congress MLAs were absent during question hour, questioning their commitment. "The opposition appears to be so frustrated and disheartened that its members did not even come to hear replies to their own questions. If they are not present, how will they effectively raise the issues of the people in the house?" he remarked.
Post-Session Comments Highlight Internal Congress Turmoil
Speaking to the media after the session, CM Nayab Singh Saini suggested that the Congress protests reflected the party's internal condition, with unclear dynamics at play. He took a dig at Congress, noting that for the first time in the state, the party's top leadership was seen acting as polling agents, indicating a lack of trust in its own members and a loss of public confidence.
In response to further queries, Saini reiterated that contesting elections as an independent candidate is a democratic right that cannot be restricted. He accused Congress of undermining democratic values, highlighting contradictions in the statements and conduct of its leaders. Referring to Abhay Chautala, Saini affirmed that in a democracy, everyone has the right to vote or abstain.
The chief minister also disclosed that one of their votes was declared invalid, and while they raised an objection with the Election Commission, it was not accepted. Despite this, he expressed respect for the democratic process and acceptance of the decision.
