Peeved by frequent walkouts by Opposition MLAs (over her absence), West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said that she would come to the Assembly whenever she wants to. “I will come whenever I want to. What will I reply if they (Opposition) do not ask anything? How can I give a reply if there is no question?” she asked in the House. Ms Banerjee arrived in the House when Speaker Biman Banerjee was about to adjourn the Assembly for recess. The Left Front had staged a walkout protesting against the chief minister’s absence during Question Hour.
“The chief minister is continuously neglecting the House. In the past three years, she has never faced Question Hour. This is unconstitutional. After all, she is the leader of the House,” CPI(M) MLA Anisur Rahman said later.
He pointed out that the chief minister was looking after eight departments but she was not entertaining questions on any of them. “Friday is her day in the Assembly but she does not come,” he said.
Ms Banerjee explained that only a single question relating to the land department had come from the Left Front but since the matter was subjudice they were informed about it. “I devote most time to the House. But why will I come if it is not my subject? It is a wastage of time,” she said. The Speaker also voiced his displeasure over the Left MLAs’ walkout. “They should have had patience. They resorted to walkout although the chief minister has come to the House,” he said.