The Hindu : Front Page : Anti-North Indian agitation to be taken up for discussion

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Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008
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Anti-North Indian agitation to be taken up for discussion

Special Correspondent

Need to extend President’s rule in Nagaland discussed

UPA open to debate and discussion on any issue: Dasmunsi
“But Opposition should heed the rules of procedure”

NEW DELHI: The Business Advisory Committees of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha separately decided to take up a discussion on the unity and integrity of India in the backdrop of the anti-North Indian agitation that was unleashed by the breakaway group of the Shiv Sena, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray that has become a reason for the continuing exodus of North Indian workers from Maharashtra.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said it was felt by members of the BACs that the issue was very important and needed to be taken up at the earliest. Since the Railway budget is to be presented on Tuesday, it was decided that this discussion should be given priority on Wednesday in both the Houses.

The Opposition apparently concurred.

Another issue that has been sorted out at the BAC meetings was the constitutional need to extend President’s rule in Nagaland by a few days since it would expire on March 3 while the State Assembly election results would not be expected till March 8.

A few more days could also be needed for government formation.

The government hopes to take this issue up in the Lok Sabha immediately after the Railway budget on Tuesday and simultaneously in the Rajya Sabha.

The rest of the week will be dominated by the presentation of the Economic Survey on February 28 and the Union budget the next day.

A discussion on the motion of thanks to the President is scheduled to begin on February 28 during which the Opposition would be free to raise a number of issues, Mr. Dasmunsi said.

Mr. Dasmunsi made it clear that the United Progressive Alliance government has always welcomed discussion and debate in Parliament on any issue the Opposition may wish to raise provided that it was permissible within the rules and allowed by the presiding officers.

Price rise

Whether it was price rise or farmers’ issues, the government would not run away from a thorough discussion. However, that was possible if the Opposition also heeded the rules of procedure.

The budget session that started on Monday made it clear that important financial business related to the presentation and passing of the budget would have to be given priority.

There would be time in-between for the Opposition to raise a number of issues.

He emphasised that only a few weeks ago whips of different parties, including those of the BJP, had recommended that the question hour in Parliament and assemblies ought not to be suspended or disturbed.

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