Maya shortens budget session to avoid heat, opts for a ‘vote on account’

The Chief Minister has convened another meeting with senior officials tomorrow to discuss security arrangements for House members. The ruling parties fear a repeat of the violence that rocked the House in 1993.

Nearly 60 legislators were injured in the mayhem, reportedly triggered by the Samajwadi Party.

BJP spokesman Hriday Narain Dixit said the SP, which was out to disrupt House proceedings, had opposed foolproof security arrangements being made inside and outside the Assembly. Opposition leader in the Vidhan Sabha, Azam Khan, too, has requested President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to depute an observer to ensure smooth conduct of House proceedings.

According to the present agenda, Governor Vishnu Kant Shastri will deliver his customary address to a joint session of both the Houses on February 28.

After that, the House will adjourn to meet again at 12.30 pm for a brief spell. During this period, the Principal Secretary of the Vidhan Sabha will again read out excerpts from the Governor’s speech.