Speaker defends Modi for skipping budgetary debates

Assembly Speaker Ashok Bhatt has strongly defended Chief Minister Narendra Modi who remained absent during discussions on demands of his ministries in the budget session,which concluded on Wednesday.

The issue was raised by mediapersons during a press conference at the Circuit House. When pointed out that Modi never attended the House proceedings after question hour even though he holds some important portfolios,Bhatt said that being the executive head of the state government,the CM had other urgent assignments. It was not obligatory on him to attend the entire proceedings,he added. On his absence during debates pertaining to his ministries,Bhatt said the CM had delegated

responsibilities of his ministries to some ministers and the latter attended the proceedings. Therefore it was not necessary for Modi to remain present during these debates.

Thanking members of the House,Bhatt said it was

the first session in the history of the state assembly that concluded without any adjournment or any member being suspended.

Giving further details,he said that as many as 27 sessions were held over 22 days,with discussions held for 110 hours and one minute.