Haryana Assembly Budget Session Descends into Chaos Over Fraud and Irregularity Allegations
The second day of the budget session in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday was marked by intense turmoil and dramatic confrontations. Opposition members launched a fierce attack, raising twin issues that dominated proceedings: an alleged Rs 590-crore bank fraud involving IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank, and demands for an adjournment motion to discuss purported irregularities in the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).
Opposition Demands Accountability and Triggers Walkout
Leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, alongside other Congress MLAs such as Ashok Kumar Arora, B B Batra, and former Speaker R S Kadian, vociferously demanded a response from the government, specifically targeting Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. They sought detailed explanations regarding the officials who authorized the diversion of funds to private banks and the justifications provided for such actions.
The situation escalated during Zero Hour, with heated exchanges erupting between ministers Mahipal Dhanda and Krishan Bedi and Congress legislators. After Speaker Harvinder Kalyan rejected the adjournment plea on procedural grounds, Congress MLAs staged a walkout in protest, amplifying the session's contentious atmosphere.
High Drama During Governor's Address Discussion
Further controversy unfolded during the discussion on the governor's address. Congress MLA Ashok Arora accused the government of concealing multiple scams, including an alleged Rs 5,000-crore paddy scam, the death of a sportsperson in Rohtak, and the deaths of policemen at the Surajkund fair. These incidents, cited in the address, became focal points for opposition criticism.
Adding to the drama, BJP MLA from Safidon, Ram Kumar Gautam, made remarks about Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, while also targeting Congress leaders and Bhupinder Singh Hooda in a lighter vein. Known for his plain speaking, Gautam even criticized CM Saini over law and order issues, while praising former DGP O P Singh.
Ministerial Responses on Healthcare and Social Justice
During the question hour, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi addressed key policy matters. He clarified that hospitals in cities allotted land by the government at concessional rates are mandated to provide free services to 20% of their total outdoor patients on a 'first come, first served' basis. This policy, under Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) guidelines, aims to ensure free treatment for economically disadvantaged patients.
Responding to Congress MLA Aftab Ahmed, Bedi emphasized the government's commitment to this welfare measure. Additionally, on a question from Congress MLA Vikas Saharan regarding drug abuse, Bedi stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions. He provided specific data for the Kalayat assembly constituency, noting 15, 14, and 16 cases registered under the NDPS Act in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively, with 85 arrests made in connection to drug trafficking.
Health Infrastructure and Urban Development Updates
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao announced plans to enhance medical facilities, revealing that digital X-ray, advanced life support (ALS) ambulance, and MRI scan services will soon be available at the District Civil Hospital in Sonipat. A proposal to establish a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab (Cath Lab) in Sonipat district is also under active consideration.
In urban development, Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel reported that buildings in 22 colonies under the Jagadhri municipal council have been regularized under Section 203-A of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973. He highlighted that while the GIS portal showed buildings instead of colonies, the government approved 858 colonies and ensured basic amenities. However, he pointed out challenges, such as the unavailability of final layout plans in most municipalities and unclear legal status for vacant plots within regularized layouts.
Sports Awards and Scholarships Justified
Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam provided updates on financial incentives for athletes. He confirmed that all pending cash rewards up to December 31, 2022, for eligible Haryana athletes participating in national and international competitions have been fully disbursed. Timely distributions were also made for medal winners of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and National Games for 2023, 2024, and 2025, with remaining rewards set to be released shortly.
Responding to Congress MLA Aditya Surjwala regarding coaches' awards, Gautam noted that out of 52 applications received, 31 eligible coaches have been granted awards totaling Rs 3.56 crore, underscoring the government's support for sports development.
