Opposition gears up to corner Govt on Tharoor, price rise

New Delhi, Apr 14 (PTI) A united opposition is all set
to corner the Government on the Shashi Tharoor controversy
and price rise in Parliament which reassembles Thusrday after
a month-long break.
Opposition has drawn up plans to give the Government a
tough time with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) making it clear that it would
coordinate with other parties in bringing a cut motion to
force rollback of the hike in prices of petroleum products and
fertilisers.
It has also sought dismissal of Minister of State for
External Affairs Shashi Tharoor for his alleged "misuse of
office" for a lady friend in the Kochi IPL team case, a charge
denied by him.
BJP has 116 members while its allies Janata Dal-United
(JD-U) has 20, Shiv Sena has 11 and Akali Dal four.
The three-week long session is set to begin on a stormy
note with NDA demanding suspension of Question Hour in both
Houses and seeking debate on the Dantewada naxal attack that
claimed lives of 76 security personnel.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi held strategy session
with senior party leaders and Union Ministers this evening on
ways and means to brace the opposition onslaught which may put
to a close test the strength of the ruling United Progressive
Alliance (UPA).
NDA leaders also held parleys with its Working Chairman
and BJP leader L K Advani and it decided to bring cut motions
on issues related to price rise.
"NDA will also issue three-line whips to its MPs to get
the cut motions passed in the Lok Sabha. All cut motions will
be related to price rise which affects the common people and
national interest," Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha, S S
Ahluwalia said.
Thirteen non-NDA and non-UPA parties grouping which have
been brought together by the Left parties, have also decided
to bring a cut motion. The grouping together accounts for 87
MPs.
Congress-led UPA has a strength of around 265 members,
including some independents and it can look for some solace
from BSP which has disassociated from the 13-party grouping.
BSP has a strength of 21 in the 543-member House.
A cut motion puts to test the strength of the government
in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament). If the
motion is adopted, it amounts to defeat of the government on a
money matter.
Congress as well as government have remained unfazed by
the opposition moves saying alongwith its allies, it is fully
prepared to face any eventuality. PTI SPG
MRD


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