To get over LS poll outing, Chautala men on Goa outing

Drubbed in the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling INLD has sent its MLAs on an excursion to Goa and this has led to a storm in the state.The timing...

Drubbed in the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling INLD has sent its MLAs on an excursion to Goa and this has led to a storm in the state.

The timing of the tour — INLD MLAs and a few Ministers left for Goa last night — has led to talk that after losing support of 10 MLAs, a shaken Chautala government is out to keep its flock intact. The MLAs are expected back on June 27, a day before Haryana votes for the Rajya Sabha polls.

The Goa junket has had the Opposition alleging that the exchequer is being misused.

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But Haryana Finance Minister Sampat Singh denied the charge: ‘‘Members were tired after spending three-four days in Chandigarh where they attended Vidhan Sabha and did other party work. They decided to go on an excursion for a few days.’’

He maintained that the tour was a ‘‘personal visit’’ and the government had nothing to do with it. ‘‘The fact is that the government has panicked and is worried about its MLAs,’’ said Capt Ajay Singh Yadav of the Congress, acting Leader of Opposition in Haryana Assembly.

‘‘Results of the Lok Sabha elections have made many of the ruling party MLAs think of their future in the INLD. Moreover, this is nothing but sheer misuse of government funds,’’ he said.

He claimed his party was not trying to lure INLD MLAs: ‘‘We do not indulge in such practices, but our doors are open. Unlike Chautala, we do not believe in pressure tactics and give full freedom to our colleagues.’’ INLD sources gave a different spin to the Goa tour. Since CM Chautala was still in a Mohali hospital, they said it became necessary for members to stick together. Hence, the trip to Goa.