Punjab Budget session to begin tomorrow

It is likely to be a stormy affair with opposition Congress geared up to corner SAD-BJP ruling alliance on several issues

The budget session of Punjab Assembly commencing here tomorrow is likely to be a stormy affair with opposition Congress geared up to corner SAD-BJP ruling alliance on several issues, including drug menace, power "shortage" and "soaring" sand and gravel prices.

The budget for year 2014-15 will be presented by Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa on July 16.

Just before the Budget Session, both the Congress and SAD have summoned CLP meetings of respective parties.

The brief session is likely to end on July 22 comprising four sittings, as per the schedule of assembly.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Jakhar, who unsuccessfully contested the recent Lok Sabha polls from Ferozepur, described the short duration of the session as "a futile exercise just to complete constitutional obligation."

Jakhar, who met Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal here, sought extension of session claiming that the opposition want to rake up several key issues.

He said the Congress wants to raise issues such as smuggling of drugs, "shortage" of power and water, sand and gravel mafia, MNREGA scheme "scams", "misutilisation" of funds given by previous UPA government for agro-diversification, unemployment among others.

Meanwhile, a SAD spokesman said that the party will discuss budget proposals in the debate.

This will be the budget session of the state Assembly as the state had passed a Vote on Account till July 31 at its session in February due to the Lok Sabha elections.