Session may see shift in alignments
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, from August 1, could see the beginning of the process of realignment because of developments in the UPA and the isolation of supporting parties. Atleast four issues — Lokpal, Telangana, Karnataka Lokayukta’s proposed report on mining and the developments in the DMK — could dominate the session.
The DMK’s reluctance to nominate its MPs for the Cabinet berth is a clear indicator that the party is uncomfortable in the UPA. On the other hand, Maharashtra chief minister Prathiviraj Chavan’s suggestion to review power-sharing arrangement with the NCP in the state and given home and finance ministries to the Congress, has not gone down well. Social activist Anna Hazare has decided to launch an agitation for jan lokpal bill outside Parliament from August 16. He plans to sit on fast for the purpose. While the Congress is in a fix on the issue of a separate Telangana state, the main Opposition BJP is finds itself isolated over Karnataka lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde’s report on mining. The party’s attempt to shield chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa could not only puncture its corruption plank against the UPA but make it irrelevant inside Parliament.
The BSP, the Samajwadi Party and the RJD have been backing the Manmohan Singh government from outside. However, the BSP is the main target of the Congress’ attack in Uttar Pradesh. While the Samjwadi Party is seen as the Congress’ post-poll ally in UP, it will be interesting to watch the role of these two parties inside Parliament.
“If Yeddyurappa is not removed, Congress will target the BJP in Monsoon Session whenever the latter tries to raise the issue of scams and scandals involving the government. We will say we have taken action, but you have not,” a senior Congress leader, who declined to be identified, said.
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