Coalition making difficult decisions more difficult: PM

[1]

Facing stiff opposition from allies over various measures, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said difficult decisions were getting 'more difficult' because of coalition compulsions and pressed for eschewing narrow partisan approaches in the interest of the country.

Singh made a strong pitch for the NCTC (National Centre for Counter Terrorism), saying it was an important step to fight terrorism but made it clear that no further action would be taken on it without full consultations with states.

Replying to debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, he spoke about the opposition to the NCTC and responded to the demands by Tamil parties for supporting UN resolution against Sri Lanka by saying that India was 'inclined' to do so if it meets its 'objectives' with regard to the future for ethnic Tamils 'based on equality, dignity, justice and self respect'.

He also talked about the difficult situation in the economic field and expressed commitment to reforms to push growth.

"I am sure members realise that difficult decisions we have to take are made more difficult by the fact that we are a coalition government... We need to have consensus," he said.

In this regard, he cited as an example the Railway Budget which faced strong opposition from ally Trinamool Congress and Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi was forced to quit.

"This is an occasion to eschew narrow partisan approach," Singh said. Devoting substantial part of his reply to the NCTC, he said it was imperative for the country to defeat terrorism and left-wing extremism if it were to achieve its growth objectives.

"NCTC is an important step to give security to all the citizens of the country," he said.
Previous Story Next Story Save/Edit Printer Friendly

Referring to opposition by the states, including West Bengal ruled by UPA ally Trinamool Congress, the Prime Minister said the government was trying to address the concerns of the states.

He noted that the issue has been discussed at various fora and Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) was set up in 2001 as a precursor.

"A number of Chief Ministers have expressed concern after the order (on setting up of NCTC) was issued (in January)," Singh said, adding he had responded to these.

Noting that a meeting of Chief Ministers took place on March 12, he said another meeting will take place on April 16.

He pointed out that there is agreement on setting up of NCTC but differences on the manner in which to do so.

"Adequate and full consultations will take place before the next step (on NCTC)," he said, adding "there may be differences but through discussions and dialogue, those differences can be ironed out."

He also spoke on the issue of a resolution against Sri Lanka at UN Human Rights Council, which ally DMK along with other Tamil parties want India to support. DMK, with 18 members in Lok Sabha, has even threatened to consider pulling out of the government.

Singh said India was yet to receive the final text of the draft resolution.

"We are inclined to vote in favour of the resolution if the resolution will cover our objectives namely the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is based on equality, dignity, justice and self respect," he said, amid thumping of desks by members including by DMK.