Trinamool’s boycott hurts Left

After the state Budget was placed on March 22,the Opposition decided to boycott the session in protest against the CM’s derogatory remarks against Partho Chatterjee,leader of the Opposition.

In fact,barring two or three occasions,Trinamool MLAs did not participate in any of the business,including question-answer and mention cases,and avoided submission of call attention notices. The House discussed the Budget proposals for the past four working days without the participation of the principal Opposition party,while the Congress participated in the session.

On Monday,the Speaker had a meeting with Chatterjee in which he reportedly requested that Trinamool members to join the session.

Chatterjee said,“We are happy the chief minister has acknowledged his mistake. But that was not the exclusive reason for boycott. We feel we have no role to play in the West Bengal Assembly.”

Chatterjee’s allegation was that the ruling party does not maintain the democratic procedure in running the House. Issues raised by the Opposition were always set aside by them with the number strength and voice. “Look at the way the Presidency University Bill was passed in the House. We pointed out certain clauses in the Bill that should be deleted for the interest of teaching community and students. But they did not listen to our arguments,” said Chatterjee.

“The House will continue for another three days. According to the business advisory committee,a bunch of Bills will be placed in these days. What will we do attending a conclusive session?” he said.

CPM sources said a wrong message has been conveyed by the Opposition’s boycott of the House proceedings. They said the House has actually lost its attraction because of their absence since there was no strong debate on issues and many questions were held over.

“The House belongs to the Opposition,but it is unfortunate for this session,it belonged to the Treasury bench,” said a Left Front MLA.