Congress should have no problem learning from Modi: Haryana BJP MLA

Chandigarh, Feb 26: With most opposition members not present in the

Assembly, BJP MLA Anil Vij on Wednesday took the opportunity to highlight development in

and told the ruling Congress members that they "should have no problem learning from (its Chief Minister)

".

Speaking during discussion on the Governor's address, Vij who represents the Ambala Cantt constituency in the Assembly said the Congress government had failed to bring in all-round development in the state, whereas his party-ruled Gujarat had made huge progress.

He also told the ruling party MLAs that they "should have no problem learning from Modi" who is also BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Vij remarks drew sharp reaction from Congress MLAs, with Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda saying "it is not correct to take somebody's name who is not a member of this House".

Hooda then went on to counter Vij's claims on development and said Haryana was "far ahead of Gujarat in most spheres", which included lower VAT rates on diesel, higher old age pension, better resource mobilisation and higher incentives to the gallantry award winners and ex-servicemen.

Vij, however, rejected the claims and said Haryana was on the 9th spot in terms of Human Development Index and lagged behind in many other fields. "Today, the people are fed up with this government. And employees of several departments are on a warpath, but the government is not taking cognisance," the BJP MLA said.

Six-time Congress MLA and state minister Ajay Singh Yadav reminded Vij that he was more concerned about Gujarat and had forgotten to utter a single word about his own constituency. The Chief Minister echoed the view and said "it appears that Vij wants to fight the next polls from Gujarat".

In response, Vij said there were numerous issues of his constituency which he wanted to raise, but sought assurance from the Chief Minister that his demands would be met. Towards the end of the day's proceedings, the BJP leader walked out from the House, saying that he had not got any positive response from the Chief Minister on his demands pertaining to his constituency.

Main opposition INLD members were not present in the House as most of them were suspended yesterday for unruly behaviour, and two others -- Abhay Singh Chautala and Ashok Arora -- staged a walkout in protest. The suspension was, however, revoked later today.

PTI