Sharp Debate Erupts in Haryana Assembly Budget Session; Speaker's Rebuke: "Don't Consider Yourselves Tendulkars"
Haryana Assembly: The Haryana Assembly Budget Session witnessed several clashes between ruling and opposition MLAs during question hour, zero hour, and discussions on the Governor's address. Repeated verbal sparring occurred between former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Cabinet Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi. Similarly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Singh Dhanda and Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal responded to Congress MLAs with counter-arguments. Assembly Speaker Harivinder Kalyan repeatedly intervened to calm the MLAs and ministers.
Speaker's Stern Warning: 'No Dual Batting Allowed'
As the uproar intensified, Speaker Harivinder Kalyan adopted a firm stance. When repeated interventions failed to quell the debate and clashes, he warned, "There will be no batting from both sides; no one should consider themselves Sachin Tendulkar." This remark momentarily eased the tension in the House, but the clashes continued.
When Congress MLA Ashok Arora was speaking, Cabinet Minister Krishan Bedi repeatedly interrupted him. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed his displeasure, stating, "Let the minister speak; Ashok Arora will sit down."
Chief Minister Saini Takes the Reins
Chief Minister Nayab Saini attempted to calm the House in his characteristic style. He said, "Hooda Sahib... don't be angry. Krishan Bedi and Ashok Arora, their houses are close neighbors." This remark led to laughter in the House.
When Ashok Arora raised the issue of reduction in Dalit seats during the urban local body elections, Krishan Bedi remained silent. Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal seized the opportunity, asking Minister Bedi to explain why the government reduced Dalit seats. This issue also led to heated debate between the ruling and opposition parties.
Trio of Ministers Become a Subject of Discussion in the Assembly
A trio of ministers has recently garnered significant attention in the Haryana Assembly. Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, Food and Supplies Minister of State Rajesh Nagar, and Sports Minister of State Gaurav Gautam are often seen discussing matters together in the Assembly. This trio enjoys considerable popularity outside the Assembly, particularly in Faridabad district.
During zero hour and discussions on the Governor's address, these three ministers were seen sitting together, prompting accusations from the opposition of collective strategy-making. However, the ruling party maintains that this demonstrates their commitment to the smooth functioning of the government.
