BJP submits memo to Governor on ‘grim financial health’ of state

Also says Speaker’s ‘behaviour’ not in line with the prestige associated with his post

Tribune News Service

Updated At : 07:50 AM Sep 03, 2024 IST

Photo for representational purpose only. - File photo

Shimla, September 2

The BJP today submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on the grim financial health of the state and the “biased attitude” of Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania.

The BJP MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur knocked at the doors of the Raj Bhawan, seeking the intervention of the Governor on these two critical issues. “Today it is September 2 and the salaries and the pensions have not been received by serving and retired employees, which is worrisome,” said Thakur. He also raised the issue of Speaker’s behaviour not being in line with the prestige associated with the high constitutional post he is holding.

“The behaviour of the Speaker, both inside and outside the Assembly is partial and dictatorial. He always acts against the rules the conventions of the House,” the BJP legislators pointed out in the memorandum. They also said that the remarks by the Speaker against the six suspended Congress MLAs at a public function are un-parliamentary.

The memorandum further pointed out that such remarks have not just hurt the sentiments of the MLAs but also lowered the esteem of the office of the Speaker. “Rather than regretting the remarks made by him when ID Lakhanpal raised the issues, the Speaker denied him an opportunity to speak and yet again made objectionable remarks,” said Thakur.

The former CM said BJP legislature party under Rule 274 had submitted a notice to Secretary, Vidhan Sabha, but despite that the Speaker came and started conducting the House. “He has no moral right to sit on the Speaker’s chair and conduct the House till the debate on this notice was to be held,” he remarked.

The BJP also sought the attention of the Governor on the grim financial health of the state as employees had not received their salaries and pensions. “This clearly indicates that the state is on the verge of bankruptcy, bordering a financial emergency like situation,” the memorandum read.

The BJP Legislature Party at its meeting today morning decided to seek removal of the Speaker.