KOLKATA: Members of West Bengal's Trinamool Congress party, walked out of the State Assembly amid noisy scenes at the start of Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi's address at the first session of the newly constituted House on Monday.

Trinamool Congress MLAs, were protesting against the denial to their party the status of an opposition party in the House, as its strength in the House falls short of the requisite number.

Mr.Gandhi who continued his address despite the commotion noted that West Bengal was turning into one of the "country's most rapidly growing industrial regions," second only to Maharashtra in respect of private investments. "About a hundred projects involving investment of Rs. 7985 crore are under different stages of implementation," he said.

"Though West Bengal is a late starter in the IT Sector, the state is witnessing a growth rate of nearly double the national average of 36 per cent," Mr.Gandhi said. "All major companies have felt that Kolkata is an ideal destination for them," he added.

On left wing extremist activities in the south western districts of the state by the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation militants, Mr.Gandhi said: "my government does not believe in combating violence by counter-violence and has, therefore, laid importance on comprehensive socio-economic development programmes in this region".

He noted the unrest is on the wane and the state government and the Centre are working to give shape to the new Council for the hill areas of Darjeeling district under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Governor said since globalisation, the agriculture sector had witnessed a transformation from "subsistence farming to commercial farming." "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy... our farmers with the help of the state government are combating the situation by adopting intensive crop management practices through various development schemes," Mr. Gandhi said.

Halim elected Speaker

Hashim Abdul Halim of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was on Monday elected unopposed Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly for a record sixth consecutive term. He is the longest serving Speaker of a Legislative Assembly in the country.

The largest opposition, Trinamool Congress, boycotted the election.

Mr. Halim was first elected Speaker in 1982. He is also Chairman of the executive committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The Left Front strength in the new Assembly is 235, out of a total 294. One seat fell vacant following the death of member.

Mr. Halim's election was announced by pro-tem Speaker Gyan Singh Sohan Pal.

Speaking after his election, Mr. Halim said that as the Opposition was reduced in size, the Government should be more responsive to any suggestion from it.

The Trinamool and the Congress have a combined strength of 50 in the House. Neither has the requisite strength (30)to move a no-confidence motion against the Government.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail