The Hindu : Parliament deadlocked over petrol pump scam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 08, 2002

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Parliament deadlocked over petrol pump scam

By Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI AUG. 7. The impasse in Parliament over the petrol pump scam continued for the fourth consecutive day today with both the Government and the Opposition sticking to their guns, resulting in the two Houses being adjourned within minutes for the day without transacting any business.

With neither side showing any mood of relenting in the coming days, and there being no attempt during the day to break the deadlock, the stalemate is expected to continue. And, it could well result in a sine die adjournment of the monsoon session a couple of days ahead of schedule if no way is found out of the current imbroglio.

As of now, indications are that the session will continue till Monday to allow the Vice-presidential elections — scheduled for the day — to be conducted. Given the fact that Parliament's approval for the Railways' supplementary demand for grants is needed, the Government is likely to push it through if the Opposition continues to disrupt the proceedings in the days to come.

While several Bills are pending approval, the Government is now toying with the idea of bringing in an ordinance to put into effect the Electoral Reforms Bill in view of the coming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections and in anticipation of the Gujarat elections some time in the near future. On this count, the Government is unlikely to find any opposition as this Bill is a ''product of political consensus''.

Another ordinance is likely to be issued to bring into effect the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2002, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in the Budget session and was slated for introduction and passage in the Rajya Sabha this session.

Even as both sides are contemplating their moves in the days ahead, the war of words continued today with the BJP spokesman, V. K. Malhotra, accusing the Opposition of "strangling democracy''. The Opposition's behaviour was "quite objectionable'' as a result of which important legislation and government business were suffering. Besides, no discussion could take place on important issues; many of which had been raised by the Opposition itself.

To counter the Opposition demand for an enquiry into the allotments, a signature campaign of sorts is being carried out amid BJP MPs and those from its allies; urging the Prime Minister to look into and cancel — if need be — all the allotments made since 1983.

Meanwhile, unfazed by the BJP's list listing Congress leaders who had recommended petrol pumps for some of their acquaintances, the Congress spokesman, S. Jaipal Reddy, said: "From day one, we have been demanding a thorough inquiry across the spectrum. Instead of ordering an inquiry, they are indulging in a campaign of insinuations.''

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