BJP observe Lokshahi Bachao fast cum sit-in across Gujarat, CM Rupani observing fast on duty

Gandhinagar:

Ruling BJP is today observing save democracy sit-in and fast (Lokshahi Bachao Dharna and Upvas) across Gujarat as part of party’s nationwide protest against the alleged attempt of Congress led opposition to obstruct the parliament proceedings and development work of the government.

All the MPs of the party along with CM Vijay Rupani and state ministers and other prominent leaders of the party are participating in the protest at various places.

CM Rupani as decided earlier was observing fast while continuing his work in his office in capital Gandhinagar.

Deputy CM Nitin Patel was participating in the sit-in and fast in his home-town and assembly constituency of Mahesana.

Gujarat BJP president and MLA Jeetu Vaghani was participating in the protest fast in Vadodara,Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava in Tapi, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ishwar Parmar in Rajpipala of Narmada district, Energy Minister Saurabh Patel in Botad, Agriculture Minister R C Faldu in Jamnagar, MoS Home Pradipsinh Jadeja in Surat.

In Ahmedabad, Wife of CM Rupani, Anjaliben also participated in the event near Lal Darwaza where Dalit activists of the party were also present in large numbers. They shouted slogans like ‘Jay Bhim’, ‘BJP Zindabad’ before commencement of the fast.

Shah lashes out against Congress

BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday lashed out against the Congress and opposition parties for disrupting Parliament holding them responsible for loss of Rs 333 crore worth working hours during the just-concluded second half of the Budget session.

Mr Shah, who along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and BJP workers, held a day-long fast to protest the disruption of Parliament accused the Congress Party of farcical behavior.
He said the BJP had exposed the charade of the Congress Party so that people could see that instead of working towards their welfare, they send to Parliament people who believe in stalling government’s programmes.
“The Congress was only interested in stalling Parliament and creating a ruckus inside both Houses and outside Parliament,’’ he said.

Taking to writing a blog, the BJP Chief said that owing to pandemonium in Parliament , 121 work hours were lost in the Rajya Sabha and 128 hours went a waste in the Lok Sabha.

“A lot of money is spent on running both the house. Rs 1.57 crore is spent per hour to run Lok Sabha and Rs 1.10 crore to run Rajya Sabha and due to irresponsible behavior of the Congress and other opposition parties, Rs 133 crore in Rajya Sabha and Rs 200 crore worth man hours were lost due to non-functioning of the Lok Sabha. Therefore, the BJP legislators listened to their conscience and decided to forego allowance for the second half of the budget session,’’ he said.

“Parliament is a “ temple of democracy’’ where legislations and policies for people’s welfare are made. For this, not just the government but even the opposition needs to discuss and debate issues. But the manner in which Congress stalled proceedings in the second half of the Budgets session, will not be forgiven by people,’’ he said.
Mr Shah said that the Union Ministers for Parliamentary Affairs, Home and Finance assured Parliament that whether it was the issue of bank frauds, Cauvery Management Board, demand for Special Status for Andhra Pradesh or adjournment motion moved by some opposition parties, the government was ready to debate every issue.
“But ignoring this, the Congress stuck to its claim that the government did not want to have discussion. The whole country saw what was happening in the House and heard what Congress and other parties said and did when they entered the Well of the House. Their intention was clear. They had nothing to do with people’s welfare. They wanted to pursue divisive politics.’’