Opposition leader in the Gujarat assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil claims he does not avail even the regular perks, leave alone benefits of being an MLA.
BJP MLAs during question hour made a veiled attack on leader of opposition Shaktisinh Gohil on Friday by asking a question regarding the bungalow repairing expense incurred by the government. Gohil strongly opposed this by demanding a zero hour debate and raising the point of order.
Four BJP MLAs, including Nima Achraya (Anjar) who was earlier with the Congress, had asked the question to the roads & buildings minister regarding the expense incurred by the department on the official bungalow of Gohil in the ministerial complex. The minister replied that Rs77,144 had been spent on the repairing of Gohil's bungalow in the last two years.
However, Gohil objected to this question and said during zero hour: "I have no objection if the treasury bench MLAs raise questions regarding the expense made for my bungalow or benefits availed by me but then the governor and assembly speaker should also be included because like leader of opposition these posts are also constitutional posts."
He added that in the history of the state's assembly such questions had not been asked. "If the House wants to set a precedent, then I have no objection. However, I would like to say that I do not avail even my rightful benefits from the government. I only travel in economy class. Despite the offer of roads & buildings minister to carry out required changes, I have not asked her for it. Furniture and TV antenna also I have bought with my own money. I have not even claimed any medical bills of my dependants which I am entitled to. How many ministers forego these benefits? Along with my bungalow repair expense, details of the CM and other ministers also should be made public.''
However, minister of state for parliamentary affairs Amit Shah regretted the appearance of such a question.
Urban development minister Nitin Patel said, "If the questions related to CM and other ministers' bungalows, travel expenses, telephone and other expenses can be asked, then why the leader of opposition should be excluded. He also enjoys the status of a cabinet rank minister.''
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