The stage is set for a contentious three-day winter session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, commencing on Thursday, with the opposition parties ready to confront the Nayab Saini-led government on a host of pressing issues. The session, which will have sittings on December 19 and 22 with holidays in between, is anticipated to witness heated debates over air pollution, unemployment, and a proposed law concerning the ecologically sensitive Aravali belt.
Opposition Arsenal: No-Confidence and Calling Attention Motions
The principal opposition party, Congress, has already submitted a no-confidence motion against the government, signaling a direct challenge. In addition, Congress MLAs have tabled multiple calling attention motions to highlight a spectrum of public grievances. The key issues flagged by the Congress include compensation for waterlogging victims, the alarming rise in air pollution, the alleged paddy procurement scam, the renaming of MNREGA, the escalating drug abuse crisis, corruption allegations, and shortcomings in the education and health sectors.
The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), with its two legislators, has also prepared a robust line of questioning. INLD legislative party leader Aditya Devi Lal and MLA Arjun Chautala have submitted a combined total of nine calling attention motions, alongside several starred and unstarred questions. Their focus areas are particularly sharp, targeting the government's inaction on several long-standing and sensitive matters.
Key Issues on the Opposition's Agenda
The opposition's agenda for the winter session is extensive and touches upon administrative, environmental, and social concerns. Some of the most critical issues to be raised are:
- SYL Canal Stalemate: The INLD seeks clarification on why no action has been taken on the Supreme Court's November 10, 2016, order in favour of Haryana regarding the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
- Law and Order: Questions will be raised about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, citing rising crime rates.
- Education Crisis: The issue of thousands of vacant teacher posts in government schools will be brought to the fore.
- Agricultural Burden: A proposed ten-fold increase in tractor registration renewal fees is set to be challenged.
- Sports Tragedy: The tragic death of two basketball players in November and the poor condition of sports complexes will be discussed.
- Drug Menace: The rampant drug abuse and the open sale of banned cough syrup 'Planecof D' will be highlighted.
- Chandigarh Issue: The perennial matter of handing over Chandigarh fully to Haryana will also be raised.
Session Finalized in BAC Meeting
The duration and agenda of the session were finalized in a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) held on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and Chief Minister Nayab Saini. Other prominent figures present included Energy Minister Anil Vij, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda, SEWA Minister Krishan Kumar, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and MLA Geeta Bhukkal.
With such a loaded agenda and the opposition coming prepared with motions on issues directly impacting citizens' lives, the winter session from December 19 to 22 is poised to be a stormy affair, testing the government's preparedness and its ability to address the state's multifaceted challenges.
