On Budget session of Gujarat Assembly

Gandhinagar

Budget session of Gujarat assembly kicked off today. This particular session has been always a tough time for the State government as it is nearly about one month long and it gives too much bad press to government. The month long session gives almost daily opportunity to Congress party to create headlines.

In fact this was the appearance of every assembly session but later the government reduced duration of other sessions like winter session or monsoon session. Such sessions take place for just 3-4 days to complete formalities of passing some bills. However in case of budget session, technically its not possible for government to reduce the duration. It has to be nearly one month long as discussion on budget demands of each department of government has to take place as per the rules.

It has been observed in all these years that focus of opposition Congress party remains on media rather than issues. On the other hand, on government side, ruling BJP focuses on presenting its achievement and rosy pink picture of its governance. BJP MLAs are assigned questions, reply of which will be in government’s favor. Congress MLAs on the other hand are seen dragged into unnecessary bravado and political tint while speaking, but then this is their chance to do that.

Unlike parliament, here in Gujarat assembly, the Speaker orders quick suspension of those MLAs who rush to well to protest. Generally, the leader of opposition and other senior leader don’t join vocal protests and keep sitting peacefully. Once the other Congress MLAs are suspended, leader of opposition too leaves house.

Unlike parliament and many other state assemblies, live telecast of proceedings is not allowed in Gujarat assembly. Video cameras are not allowed even inside the assembly hall complex. Leader of opposition and Government spokesperson often visit entrance of assembly complex to give byte to media. Earlier video journalists were allowed to come to the lobby and media room with camera. They used to capture visuals from live TV telecast in media room. It is not allowed however anymore.

Overall the session gives budget to state which is not entirely spent in budget year, the session gives extra ordinary additional dose of bad press to government, the session gives opportunity to MLAs go get recognized, the session gives daily duty to a group of journalists who cover political affairs, the session gives opportunity to ruling party to highlights its achievement – large section of media would not be interested in that particular thing, but edited version of proceeding would be aired in govt run Doordarshan Girnar and that would be full of what we earlier said in this article – rosy picture.

– DeshGujarat