The Hindu : Now, over to RS

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 02, 2002

National

National

Now, over to RS

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MAY1. The Vajpayee Government would face another acid test on the Gujarat issue tomorrow when the Opposition-sponsored motion on it comes up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling National Democratic Alliance is in a minority.

If it was a foregone conclusion that the Government would defeat the Opposition motion in the Lok Sabha, it is equally certain that it would have to face a setback in the Rajya Sabha.

The joint Opposition motion to be debated under Rule 170, which entails voting, is expected to put the spotlight on the cracks in the ruling combine that surfaced in the Lok Sabha where the issue was discussed on Tuesday. While the Government defeated the censure motion in the the Lok Sabha, the Opposition has the requisite strength to turn the tables in the Rajya Sabha.

But even if the Opposition motion is carried in the Rajya Sabha, it does not amount to a censure of the Government but would cast a shadow on the NDA Government that has already come under severe strain with one constituent, Lok Janshakti pulling out and another, National Conference abstaining from voting in the Lok Sabha.

Another aspect is that the motion in the Rajya Sabha is worded differently, expressing anguish over continuing violence in Gujarat and urging the Government to intervene effectively to protect the lives and properties of people, provide effective relief and rehabilitation for the victims.

After the marathon and often acrimonious debate in the Lok Sabha, the Government would have to face the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha debate, which is expected to be opened by senior Congress leader, Arjun Singh.

The Opposition MPs in the House had put up a coordinated show during the ongoing budget session and had ensured that the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Bill was defeated, forcing the Government to call a joint session of Parliament to enact it last month.

Unlike POTO, which was supported both by the Telugu Desam Party and the AIADMK, the stand of these parties on the Gujarat issue has been spelt clear.

The AIADMK did not participate in the vote, in the Lok Sabha, and the TDP has staged a walkout in protest after its demand for change of leadership in Gujarat was not accepted.

The Opposition was of the view that even in POTA, where the ruling coalition had walked the extra mile to whip up support in favour of the Bill, the margin of defeat was a comfortable 15 votes.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National