Confusion over Winter Session extension: 1 day or 3?

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Political parties appear divided on whether the Winter Session of Parliament will be extended by only a day or three days to consider and pass a revised Lokpal Bill.

The Lok Sabha’s business advisory committee, which met Tuesday, is said to have decided to extend the session for three days from December 27, after a break from December 23.

But the committee will meet again on Wednesday to review its decision, and examine whether the revised bill can be discussed and passed in the two Houses of Parliament by extending the session from December 22 till December 23. Sources said the Congress was keen to consider and pass the bill by December 23, but its allies like the DMK, NCP and Trinamul Congress were noncommittal on this.

The BSP is keeping its cards close to its chest on the session extension, while the Shiv Sena says the bill should not be passed hurriedly. The JD(U) and regional parties feel the same way. A UPA leader said it was simply not possible to consider and vote on the bill the same day.

“If it (Lokpal Bill) is placed in the Lok Sabha on December 22, it cannot be discussed the same day. Members should be given at least a day to study the government’s amendments,” he said.