Congress Stages Walkout Over Budget Session Duration

Congress members walked out of the Uttarakhand Assembly during Governor Gurmit Singh's address, protesting the shortened Budget session. They claimed the schedule limited their ability to discuss public interest issues. Despite disruptions, the governor completed his address. Opposition leader Yashpal Arya cited corruption and public dissatisfaction as key concerns.

In a dramatic display of dissent, Congress members staged a walkout during Governor Gurmit Singh's address at the Uttarakhand Assembly on Tuesday. The opposition argued that the ruling government strategically shortened the Budget session, curtailing debate on critical public interest issues.

As the session commenced with the governor's address, Congress MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya stood in defiance, chanting slogans against the government. Governor Singh, however, continued his address amidst the clamor, managing to complete it despite the chaos.

Opposition leader Arya accused the government of suppressing dissenting voices, citing issues like rampant corruption and public anger over smart prepaid electricity meters. The Congress emphasized the need for adequate time to discuss these concerns before walking out of the assembly. The Business Advisory Committee has scheduled the session through February 20.

(With inputs from agencies.)