Pranab discusses issue with Advani
Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday held a meeting with BJP parliamentary party chief L.K. Advani in an effort to end the impasse over appointment of Gujarat Lokayukta. Parliament proceedings were stalled over
the issue for the fourth day on Tuesday when BJP members trooped into the well of both the Houses protesting against “violation” of Constitutional norms and demanding Gujarat governor Kamla Beniwal’s recall.
After the meeting, Mr Mukherjee, who is leader of the House in Lok Sabha, said “Mr Advani suggested certain things about the Gujarat Lokayukta.” He however, did not elaborate.
Mr Advani met both the Leaders of Opposition, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, after his meeting with Mr Mukherjee.
Sources said BJP has conveyed it to the government that it will not press on Dr Beniwal’s recall if Lokayukta R.A. Mehta is removed. The party also told the government that if it wants to end the deadlock, Lokayukta has to be removed.
Meanwhile, the issue rocked the Parliament on Tuesday as well with BJP getting support from NDA allies besides Left and AIADMK as evident in the Rajya Sabha in the past two days. In Lok Sabha, while the BJP demanded the Gujarat governor’s recall, SP demanded dismissal of the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh while TDP sought a fair deal for farmers.
In Rajya Sabha, no substantive business could be done. However, in the Lower House, a Constitution Amendment Bill for changing the name of Orissa to “Odisha” was passed.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day at 12.20 pm when it re-assembled after stalling of the Question Hour, while the Upper House saw final adjournment at 2 pm.
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