Cong not an effective Oppn: Ajay

Bhopal, Feb 22 (UNI) Congress legislator Ajay Singh today admitted in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly that his party, which had been in power for most time, is not playing an effective role as main Opposition.

Pointing out that the same is the case with the BJP, which continued to play Opposition's role for several years, Mr Singh said the BJP had been unable to run the administration properly.

He said the Congress fought for independence and remained in power for long period. However, the BJP had no contribution in the freedom struggle.

Initiating a general discussion on the 2006-07 Budget, the former state minister described the Budget as directionless.

He said the BJP, which promised freedom from 'Bhay, Bhook aur Bhrashtachar (fear, hunger and corruption' was not working as per its manifesto.

The Congress legislator alleged that 'Kesaria dupattadharis (members of saffron brigade)' had spread terror in the state. Even police and administration were fed up with them.

''The budget has not laid stress on modernisation of police force despite growth of naxalite activities in Sidhi and Shahdol districts,'' he said.

Mr Singh warned the state government to control naxalite activities or else the situation might go out of control.

BJP's Dhyanendra Singh and Sudha Jain, SP's Sunilam, CPM's Ramlakhan Sharma, NCP's Hamid Qazi and Congress Brajendra Singh Rathore also participated in the discussion.

The discussion will continue for the next two days. The reply will be presented on February 28.

UNI PKJ-PS MA GC2115