RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, March 16: The Jharkhand assembly approved a budget of Rs 4372 crore for the expenditure of water resource, tourism culture, sports and youth affairs departments after customary debate on a cut motion brought by BJP legislator Amar Kumar Bauri.
The development took place in the second half after the deadlock continuing in the house for the last 10 days for the demand of the chief minister’s statement on recruitment and local policy ended following a meeting of the business advisory committee in the chamber of the speaker where it was decided that the chief minister will be give his reply on the issue any day according to his convenience during the budget session.
During the debate, the ruling and opposition parties attacked each other presenting the real essence of democracy. Most of the BJP legislators, who were wearing saffron T-shirts carrying the message “30:60 Nai Chalto’ and “1931 Ki Behlo”, removed T-shirts while participating in the debate on the advice of the assembly speaker.
Bauri used his time during the debate to target the ruling party for its failure in giving employment to youth. He went on saying that youths, who have been cheated under the pretext of 1932 Khatiyan based local policy, are ready with garland of shoes. He said that the party which was saying “Jo 1932 ki Khatiyan Ki Baat Karega Wahi Jharkhand Par Rajya Karega” is afraid of taking the name of 1932 Khatiyan.
JMM legislator Mangal Kalindi while counter attacking the BJP said his party is the real follower of Ram. He said Ram’s weapon bows and arrows are with the JMM. On which, BJP legislator Bhanu Pratap Shahi retorted that the JMM had Ravan’s bow and arrow. Kalindi took strong exception to this saying the JMM has bows and arrows for killing Ravan. Amid debate another BJP MLA C.P.Singh intervened and reminded Kalindi of JMM chief Shibu Soren’s statement claiming to be descendants of Ravan.
BJP’s Jai Prakash Bhai Patel during the debate expressed his concern over Stephen Marandi, Mathura Prasad Mahto and Lobin Hembrom not being part of Hemant Soren’s cabinet. He said their absence raises the doubt over the intention of the government in running the state honestly with due attention to the interest of the state people.
Ajsu’s Lambodar Mahto attacked water resource minister Mithilesh Thakur for his failure in fulfilment of promises. Pradeeo Yadav of Congress party during his speech talked about formulating some plan to benefit district level players also. BJP’s Raj Sinha suggested using mine water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Minister Thakur during his speech also attacked the BJP legislators for giving credit to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creation of Jharkhand. He alleged opposition party legislators of using their time for giving political statements in the house instead of talking to the point on the budgetary allocation. He counted the achievements of his government was the BJP members walked out of the House.
