In a surprise move, the ruling Trinamool Congress-led coalition today recommended early conclusion of the ongoing West Bengal Assembly session. According to the Speaker Mr Biman Banerjee, as against the scheduled completion on July 17, the session will now conclude on July 5 or 6.
Apparently in support of the move, a number of departmental budgets were sent to guillotine — which means such proposals will not be discussed on the floor.
While Mr Banerjee, did not elaborate reasons behind the early conclusion, the Opposition leader, Mr Suryakanta Mishra of CPI (M), accused the Government of trying to by-pass the Assembly so as to avoid the Opposition. In protest, the Left parties are likely to boycott the Assembly on June 30.
The Left Front has already raised objection to the recent announcement of the Government to enhance the dole to over 2000 “unwilling farmers” (who did not accept compensation against land acquisition) in Singur from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 a month without any discussion in the Assembly.
While Trinamool camp remained silent on the issue, some political analysts feel that the move to conclude the session early may also be linked to the scheduled Presidential poll campaign by Mr Pranab Mukherjee later during the month.
Though an UPA ally, Trinamool has opposed Mr Mukherjee’s candidature and is yet to confirm its support to NDA nominee Mr P. A. Sangma either.
“Once the Assembly session is over the house is unlikely to have adequate audience to attend the campaign,” a political observer felt.