Date:06/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080656111200.htm

National

Advani: Centre shying away from facing Parliament

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani on Tuesday demanded that there should be no further delay in convening the monsoon session of Parliament. The session normally starts in the third week of July. He was speaking on the sidelines of a function here.

Talking to journalists, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the recent bombings in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, the overall security scenario, rising prices and the cash-for-votes scandal should be discussed during the session.

He charged the government with shying away from facing Parliament.

To questions whether the BJP would allow Parliament to function and not disrupt the proceedings as in the past, Mr. Prasad said this was an unfair charge. He pointed out that even UPA partners in the government had stalled the House.

“The BJP has cooperated in the smooth functioning of Parliament. We pay attention to the need to uphold the dignity of the House.”