The BJP-led Opposition on Monday gave a clear indication that it will tear into the government on a variety of issues, demanding answers on matters ranging from rising prices, corruption and terrorist attacks, when the normal business of Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins on Tuesday. Both the BJP and the Left will also try to put the government on the mat over the multi-crore 2G spectrum scam.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who on Sunday had hit out at the Opposition, saying it had “many skeletons in its cupboad”, struck a more conciliatory note on Monday, urging all parties to jointly tackle problems facing the nation and promising a “structured debate” on issues raised by them.
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which met on Monday, were adjourned after the customary obituary references, introduction of new ministers and the swearing-in of new members.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Ms Sushma Swaraj, accused the Prime Minister of “vitiating the atmosphere” ahead of the session, while the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Arun Jaitley, felt that the “PM is sidetracking certain issues on 2G as he is not in a position to answer them”. Mr Jaitley said the Opposition needed answers on the 2G scam from both the Prime Minister and home minister P. Chdambaram. Mr Jaitley noted that former communications minister A. Raja had “kept the PM informed of the minutest details of developments in the telecom sector”.
Also in a combative mode, senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha gave notice on Monday under Rule 184 for a discussion on corruption and rising prices in the Lok Sabha. The BJP has sought a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on similar issues under Rule 167. The party’s NDA allies are expected to follow suit.
Despite the BJP’s aggressive line, though, the party is also extremely concerned over recent developments in Karnataka, with its tainted outgoing chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa holding the party virtually at gunpoint. “Karnataka could be our weak point,” a senior BJP leader said. The Congress also plans to target the BJP over the corruption cases against its government in Karnataka.
In an effort to calm the politically charged mood and to ensure a smooth session, the Prime Minister said on Monday: “It is our sincere desire that this session should run smoothly and Parliament should discuss all issues of national importance,” he said, promising the government was “prepared to discuss all issues the Opposition wants to take up”. But he also added that “matters that are in the courts ... are best left to the courts to decide”.
The Congress’ key managers — finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and his new minister of state Rajiv Shukla — are already at work interacting with the Opposition and other floor managers.
The BJP’s Ms Swaraj, continuing to target the Prime Minister over his Sunday remarks, said: “The PM’s comments were unprovoked and ill-advised.” She said the Opposition had so far been responding positively, and spoke of the BJP’s meeting with Mr Bansal and Mr Shukla on July 29 at which it pledged cooperation but also wanted “debate on important issues identified by us”. She noted that the finance minister had on Saturday “called me and Advaniji (L.K. Advani), and we agreed to meet”. The all-party meeting called by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was also held in a “cordial atmosphere”, Ms Swaraj said, adding that the PM’s remarks “took us by surprise”.