Congress fails to appoint new LOP for MP assembly

BHOPAL: Pre-occupied with demonetisation developments in Parliament, the Congress high-command has decided not to appoint Madhya Pradesh leader of Opposition (LOP) in a hurry. A letter from the party has reached the principal secretary, state assembly, Avdesh Pratap Singh, informing that deputy leader of opposition Bala Bachchan will continue to lead the CLP (Congress legislative party) in the House during the five-day winter session.
Post of Congress LOP in the state assembly fell vacant after the demise of Satyadev Katare on October 21. Even as Katare fell grievously ill fighting a war with cancer last year, Bala Bachchan as his deputy led the CLP in the House through every session this year.
Speaking to TOI, deputy LOP Bala Bachchan said, “The party has sent a letter of instruction to the state assembly. I have been sent a copy of the same letter.”
Principal Secretary, state assembly Avdesh Pratap Singh said, “Congress party has sent the letter saying that as per instructions, deputy LOP Bala Bachchan will lead Congress in the House in the absence of Satyadev Katare for the winter session.”
State Congress clarified that there is no internal bickering of factional feud regarding appointment of LOP as has been claimed in certain media circles. “The LOP appointed now will lead the party in the state assembly till the next elections in 2018. This is an important job and party will appoint the person who can give that kind of leadership in the state assembly to raise issues against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan BJP government. Hence, they will not take this vital decision in a rush just because the winter session starts on Monday,” a senior PCC office-bearer said.
Leaders of the state Congress also explained that since winter session is only for five days here in Bhopal while New Delhi is boiling with political activity post demonetisation, the AICC has decided to wait for the appointment of LOP.
Congress party’s letter to the state assembly secretariat said, “As per instructions please be notified that because of the demise of leader of Opposition, responsibility of the vacant post will be executed in the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha during the winter session by deputy LOP Bala Bachchan.”