Speaker warns BJP MLA Dinda over ‘casual statements’
Times of India | 12 December 2024
123 Kolkata: Moyna's BJP MLA Ashok Dinda was cautioned by assembly speaker Biman Banerjee on Wednesday. "You are a first-time MLA; be more cautious. Do not issue casual statements. Consider this a warning," Banerjee told Dinda.
The warning stemmed from a debate during question hour last week, where state sports minister Arup Biswas criticised Centre for neglecting sports infrastructure in north Bengal. Biswas alleged that cows were grazing on stadium grounds under central govt's jurisdiction.
The minister highlighted that Bengal govt completed the construction of Biswa Bangla Krirangan in Jalpaiguri at a cost of Rs 110 crore and handed it over to Sports Authority of India on Dec 27, 2017. Despite provisions for training in seven sports disciplines, the facility reportedly fell into disrepair. Biswas said that four complaints were lodged with the Union sports ministry but no action was taken.
Countering the sports minister's allegations, Dinda claimed: "The minister said central govt took no action on stadium construction, but I spoke to Union minister Anurag Thakur. He told me that Rs 200 crore was proposed for the project, but state govt failed to respond. Centre also sought a reply to SAI's letter to the state, but no answer was provided."
Dinda's comments prompted Banerjee to demand that he submit proper documentation to substantiate his claims. However, the BJP MLA failed to do so, leading the speaker to issue him a warning.
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