Stormy start to winter session
Amidst opposition uproar, governor defends MCD trifurcation
The much-delayed winter session of the Delhi Assembly began on Monday with Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna’s customary address in which he merely touched upon the achievements of the Congress government in all sectors without going too much into the details.
The 25-minute address was marked by frequent interruptions by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party members, however, not loud or rowdy enough to bother the governor who managed to shoot through his speech in one go.
Khanna began with reminding the House about the number of steps taken by his government in the last one year that spanned from administrative reforms to social welfare and the government’s commitment to make Delhi a city of inclusive growth.
He justified the recent move to trifurcate the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
“A widely shared desire for better municipal governance will be realised with the trifurcation of the MCD. With three new smaller municipal bodies, the day-to-day problems of the citizens of Delhi will be addressed more expeditiously and effectively,” said Khanna amidst the loudest uproar of the day from the opposition benches.
Khanna also praised the government for furthering the concept of participative governance to ensure the results of growth and development lead to tangible improvements in the quality of life for the common people of Delhi.
“The principle of ‘inclusive growth’ has been the cornerstone of the policies and programmes of my government. In this direction, the government’s focus has been to provide an honest and transparent administration, starting new initiatives for the youth through delivery of an effective education system, health care to all school-going children and, above all, commencement of large-scale skill development programmes,” Khanna said unmindful of slogan-shouting by the BJP MLA’s.
Opposition MLAs accused the government of being “corrupt”, while demanding the Lokayukta should be given more teeth to check rampant corruption.
Later, defending her ministers, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the BJP was only interested in vitiating the atmosphere in the House with “baseless allegations”.
“Delhi has become a world-class city as a result of the string of policies and schemes we have introduced. The BJP is just looking for some fodder to belittle us,” Dikshit said speaking to mediapersons after the adjournment of the House.
More fireworks from the opposition can be expected when debate on increasing crime and order, MCD trifurcation takes place in the days ahead.
