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Chandigarh: Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday accused the BJP government of deliberately evading questions of public interest during the recently concluded Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, alleging that the ruling party adopted “unconstitutional tactics” to avoid accountability on serious issues, including alleged vote rigging.
Addressing a press conference on his residence, Hooda said that despite the Congress submitting proposals on a wide range of pressing concerns—such as the status of Chandigarh, Aravalli mining, farmers’ distress, unemployment, recruitment scams, MSP, paddy procurement irregularities, MGNREGA, corruption, education, healthcare, deaths of sports persons, the SYL water dispute and alleged hate speeches by BJP leaders—not a single adjournment motion, suspension of business motion or short-duration discussion was accepted by the Speaker. He termed this unprecedented in the history of the Assembly.
Hooda alleged that the BJP, rattled by what he described as “profound revelations” of “vote chori”, attempted to divert attention by bringing a proposal for electoral reforms. This issue does not fall within the state Assembly’s jurisdiction. “This was a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from vote rigging allegations. That is why the Congress staged a walkout,” he said, adding that the party would bring a special resolution on the issue in the next session.
Highlighting the condition of sports infrastructure, Hooda said Haryana’s national standing in sports had deteriorated under the BJP government. He claimed that more than 300 stadiums built during the Congress regime were now in a dilapidated state, and alleged government negligence led to the deaths of two young sports persons. “We sought a discussion on this tragedy, but the government did not even consider responding,” he said
On the Aravalli issue, Hooda cited the Forest Survey of India report, warning that destruction of the hill range would severely worsen pollution in Haryana. He questioned why the state government failed to defend Haryana’s interests in the Supreme Court or file a review petition after the acceptance of a uniform definition of the Aravallis.
Raising concerns over MGNREGA, Hooda claimed that while nearly 8 lakh people were registered under the scheme in Haryana, only about 2,100 had received the full 100 days of employment, and no compensation had been paid to workers in the last five years, despite provisions in the Act.
He also flagged rising drug-related deaths, corruption, shortages of teachers and doctors, and large-scale vacancies in government departments. Quoting official data, Hooda said Haryana ranked poorly on fiscal health, with total state liabilities touching approximately ₹5.16 lakh crore and likely to rise further. “Interest payments alone account for nearly 23 per cent of revenue receipts,” he said
In conclusion, Hooda accused the BJP government of failing to protect Haryana’s interests and of suppressing democratic debate. “The BJP wants the opposition to remain silent, but the Congress will continue its struggle—from the Assembly to the streets—and keep raising issues that concern the people,” he asserted
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