Gujarat assembly budget session gets a stormy start

The budget session of Gujarat state legislative assembly took off on a stormy note as opposition Congress disrupted Governor's customary address on the first day of the session, terming the speech as 'mere praises of chief minister.'

The congress members raised slogans and created uproar in the house, thereby forcing Kamla Beniwal, the Governor of Gujarat conclude her speech mid-way. The governor left the house immediately after the incidence.

The congress alleged that the governor's speech, which is traditionally prepared by the state administration, was 'deliberate attempt of the state administration to heap praises on the chief minister Narendra Modi.'

"The governor's speech had nothing but praises for the chief minister. In the crucial budget session, the speech, which should have discussed the future road map for the coming year, it heaped praises on the chief minister. It represented no voice of the people of Gujarat, hence we oppose it," Shaktisinh Gohil, leader of opposition informed reporters outside the house.

It may be noted here that the Congress workers led by state party president, Arjun Modhvadia and senior leader, Shankarsinh Vaghela took out a rally at Gandhinagar protesting the state government's 'anti-farmer policies'. The rally coincided with the opening day of the state budget session.

Around 200 congress workers along with Modhvadia and Vaghela were detained for disrupting law and order in the city. Even as the Congress was allowed to hold only the public meeting and not the march, workers led by leaders, defied the order and went ahead with the protest march, which was also joined by farmers.

Meanwhile, as crowed started getting out of control, the police had to resort to baton charge and a couple of tear gas shells were also fired to disperse the crowd. The session was adjourned for the day after obituary notes were read by members of the assembly on demise of former speaker, former ministers of Government of Gujarat and Government of India, and former members of Gujarat Legislative Assembly.