Proceedings in Delhi Assembly budget session stalled

New Delhi, Mar.17 : Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) members marched into the well of the Delhi Assembly on Monday and interrupted Lt. Governor Tejinder Khanna's address during the first day of the Budget Session.

Shouting slogans and carrying placards, the BJP members complained about the acute shortage of water and electricity in the national capital.

They claimed that there was an extreme mismatch between the demand and supply of water and electricity thanks to unrestricted migration from various parts into the city.

Delhi Chief MInister Sheila Dixit condemned the BJP protest, and warned that her government would not tolerate such disturbances.

The BJP members, however, accused the Congress Government of not doing enough to maintain a proper supply of electricity and water.

"Where will we raise the issues related to people if not in the assembly? We will also not tolerate the way we have been treated, " said Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP Member Of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

The 14-day session will focus on various problems faced by the people of Delhi. The House will also take up short duration discussions on several issues, including sealing and demolition of illegal structures, water crisis, privatisation of electricity, regularisation of unauthorised colonies and law and order problems in the capital.

On March 24, State Finance Minister Dr. A.K. Walia will present the Delhi Budget for 2008-09 and the House will vote on it on March 27.

A total of 14 sittings will be held and the House will be adjourned sine die on April 4.

ANI