PM writes to Sonia on passage of budget

By Harish Khare

NEW DELHI, APRIL 22. The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, is believed to have made a last minute appeal to Ms. Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to allow the budget process to be debated and voted in a normal manner.

In a communication to Ms. Gandhi late this evening, the Prime Minister suggested that both the Government and the Opposition had a constitutional obligation to pass the budget, and that the Opposition could continue to make its protest without disrupting the proceedings.

After the railway budget was passed last Friday amidst slogan- shouting, sober elements within the ruling party and the Opposition have been trying to impress upon the hardliners that a way must be found to conduct parliamentary business in a decent and civilized manner. The Prime Minister's appeal is intended to help the Congress and its leadership find an excuse not to disrupt the Lok Sabha on April 23 when the union budget will be taken up for consideration and voting. The Prime Minister's communication would be considered by the Congress's political affairs committee on Monday morning.

Earlier in the day, the Congress Working Committee member, Mr. Natwar Singh, demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in the two Houses on the developments on the India-Bangladesh border.

The Congress leader let it be known that the party would listen respectfully to the Prime Minister, and that it would want the Leader of Opposition to be heard in the matter. This willingness to have an undisrupted discussion is a departure from the otherwise unrelenting insistence on a JPC before the Lok Sabha could be allowed to conduct any business.

In his letter, the Prime Minister has tried to strike a conciliatory tone, invoking the institutional prestige and dignity of Parliament and the obligation of the political parties to see to it that the people were not deprived to their right to an orderly parliamentary process.

The late night communication should help the Congress find a way to keep up its demand without disrupting the Lok Sabha proceedings. The Speaker is also believed to be of the view that the Government should not be unreasonably adamant, but the Opposition too has to give him some elbow room to protect the prestige and dignity of the House.

Speaker upset over deadlock

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 22. Yet another bid to resolve the Parliamentary deadlock is expected to be made tomorrow by the Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. G.M.C. Balayogi. Upset at the idea of having to possibly preside over a disorderly House during the passing of the union budget scheduled for Wednesday, he telephonically contacted the Congress as well as some in the Government today.

Tomorrow morning, he may call senior leaders from both sides to express his strong views against the continued deadlock - and the heat may not be only on the Opposition. Apparently, what is worrying him is that this budget session could set a wrong precedent for the future.

It is indicated that he is not savouring the idea that he would be in the chair when the budget may be passed without a discussion and without even a proper vote.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Pak. leaders use wedding for India-bashing