Winter Session likely to be a heated affair
The Winter Session of Parliament beginning on Tuesday is expected to be a heated affair inside and outside the two Houses. While it will test the government’s floor management ability and Opposition’s parliamentary tactics, the most significant part of this session would be that it could decide the fate of Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan and Union minister A. Raja.
The session is taking place at a time when the Congress-led UPA is facing the corruption issue in a big way. While the Adarsh housing scam in Mumbai has put the Congress party in the dock showing how its leaders in the government misused their official positions and have aligned with the builders and officials, the 2G spectrum allocation issue could intensify attack on both the communications and information technology minister A. Raja, the Centre and the Congress.
Besides, the alleged irregularities in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi has already hit the government’s image compelling it to constitute a two member committee to inquire into it.
The top brass of the Congress and the government has been maintaining silence on these issues as was seen in the recently-held AICC meeting.
It will be interesting to see whether the government would adopt a diversionary tactics, divide Opposition or act firmly on these issues. On the other hand, guessing game has begin the Congress high command will act firmly against Mr Ashok Chavan or adopt a delaying tactics.
Though Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has convened a meeting of leaders of all political parties on the opening day to ensure a smooth session, it could be trouble for the government from the word go.
The NDA has threatened to stall the proceedings if “strong action” was not taken against all the guilty in the Adarsh housing scam.
In fact, the Adarsh scam has become an ideal issue for the Opposition to target the ruling party with Mr Ashok Chavan’s alleged links proving to be an embarrassment for the Congress.
The Opposition would utilise the opportunity to seek a discussion on the outcome of the US President Barack Obama’s visit, including the assurances given by Washington on key issues.
While the floor strategy of the Opposition is unclear, the BJP-led NDA as also the Left parties have given enough hints that the scams would be their handle to slam the government.
The Opposition is insisting action on the allegations of scams surrounding 2G spectrum allocation and the Commonwealth Games during the month-long session. It will also seek a detailed discussion on the situation in Kashmir.
Post new comment