Published On : Thu, Dec 10th, 2015

Day-4: Oppn boycotts Question Hour in Assembly after heated words over farmers’ issues

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11:.00 am: The Assembly Question Hour on Day-4 of Winter Session of Maharashtra Legislature witnessed charges and counter charges between the Opposition and Ruling Party. As soon as the House commenced proceedings, Congress member Vijay Wadettiwar said that yesterday a farmer committed suicide in his constituency. Three days have been wasted. The Government is not ready for discussion on fourth day, too, charged Wadettiwar.

The Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse countered the member’s charge by pointing out that almost all NCP members are outside the House at this important time. Several Congress members are not to be seen in the House. At least 50 percent of Opposition members should have been present. The Opposition is bent on wasting the precious time of House. Government’s intention is clear. After a detailed discussion a decision would be arrived at on farmers’ issues. The Opposition should initiate debate. Government is ready. Waiver of debts is not the only solution for distressed farmers. The farmers who have not taken loans could also be provided relief but only after discussions, retorted Khadse.

The Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil charged that the Government is not serious towards farmers’ issues. The Government should announce waiver of debts. A farmer who committed suicide had sent a letter to Chief Minister saying loan waiver is the only remedy. A package should be declared considering different crops. The we (Opposition) will cooperate with the Government. A Central team had visited the State but the help has not arrived. It means the State Government has no influence on Central Government. Therefore, the State Government should take an all-party delegation to Prime Minister and seek assistance, demanded the Opposition Leader.

After Vikhe Patil’s speech, entire Opposition members resorted to slogan shouting but the Question Hour proceedings continued.

The Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said that the farmers took loans during Congress-NCP Government also. A number of suicides were committed. But now the Opposition is putting hurdles before the Government and stalling the proceedings in House. This is absolutely wrong, stated Kadam.

The Opposition Leader Vikhe Patil intervened and said that the Government is sidelining the farmers’ demands continuously. Therefore, the Opposition is boycotting the Question Hour. Later, the entire Opposition members walked out of the House at 11.16 am.