Already prepared to hold spl session: MP govt on BJP demand

The BJP has asked MP Governor Anandiben Patel for a special session of the state assembly, saying the Kamal Nath-led Congress government doesn’t have a majority. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Gopal Bhargava said, “We want a discussion on important issues like farm loan waiver and (to) test the government strength".

Bhopal: On a day the BJP in Madhya Pradesh demanded a special session of the Legislative Assembly so that the Congress-led dispensation could prove its majority, state minister Govind Singh said the government had already made preparations for holding such sitting.

Earlier in the day, the BJP wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a special session of the state Assembly.

As the development churned politics of the state, Minister for General Administration and Parliamentary Affairs Govind Singh said, "As far as calling of the assembly session is concerned, much before this demand was made, the government had made preparations for it (holding the session). Only dates needed to be finalised".

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Gopal Bhargava, has written a letter to the governor stating that the party wanted a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength.

The letter says "several problems, including some severe ones, are plaguing the state since the last six months after the formation of the new House".

Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of severe water crisis and lawlessness. Farmers condition is worrisome as they are unable to sell their produce. They are also disillusioned over the farm loan waiver, Bhargava's letter states.

When asked about the issues flagged by the BJP, the minister said people of the state are already getting all basic facilities and that there is no problem on the law and order front.

"...There is no shortage of drinking water as stated by Bhargava. Farm loan waiver scheme is already implemented and debts of lakhs of cultivators have been waived," he said.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

Political tension rose in Madhya Pradesh last month after Lokendra Singh Rajput, a candidate of Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party quit and joined the Congress, saying he supports Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Mayawati was furious and tweeted that she would reconsider her support to the Kamal Nath government. Nath, however, indicated the matter was resolved, saying, Mayawati's party has the same goal as us... that is the exit of the BJP".