Opposition Congress today hit out at the Punjab government and described its much touted 'Sangat Darshan' as a "failure".
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, however, defended it as a platform to reach to the mass.
During the Zero hour, Congress blasted at Badal's 'Sangat Darshan' programme castigating the Leader of the House for this exercise and described it as "failure" on part of the state government.
Congress leader Sunil Kumar Jakhar said that the Badal's programme is an evidence that the state government's delivery system has failed and that is why the CM is using this practice to reach to the people.
Describing it as a 'sheer wastage of money', Congress MLA Amarinder Singh from Gidderbaha alleged that the programme had benefited those owing allegiance to ruling Akalis.
The CM, however, justified the programme and said 'Sangat' is above everybody and even Gurus had mentioned it in scriptures.
"Sangat Darshan is an opportunity for people to have a direct contact with the Chief Minister. Through this programme peoples grievances are redressed at the spot and Congress should appreciate this," he said.
The Shiromani Akali Dal chief trashed Congress' allegations on disparity in the disbursement of funds during Sangat Darshans.
"Under this programme the money is given to deputy Commissioner these days and its not misutilised.
Meanwhile, Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal objected to the Congress MLAs assertions and stressed that the issue was not that urgent to be raked up during the Zero hour.
