New Delhi: The impasse in Parliament between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Congress is expected to continue as the later is all set to stall proceedings over demanding clarification on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark against former PM Manmohan Singh and 2G scam.
The ruling party, however, is sending feelers to the Congress leaders to sit and find a solution. A meeting between the leaders of both the parties has already taken place last week, but it was unfruitful. The last week’s proceedings were completely washed out as both parties were not willing to budge from their stated position.
Two events in the last week — acquittal in the 2G scam case and the stay of prosecution against the former Maharashtra CM and Lok Sabha MP Ashok Chavan has emboldened the Congress. Restricting the BJP to double digit seats in the recently concluded Gujarat Assembly elections has also added to the new found confidence in the Congress.
The Congress feels that this is the right time to “embarrass” the BJP demanding “answers”. Interestingly, Dr Singh had met the Rajya Sabha Chairperson M. Venkaiha Naidu and said that his party wants that Mr Modi let the House know about the “conspiracy-with-Pakistan” remarks made during Gujarat poll campaign.
However some in the Congress also feel that if a solution to the stalemate is found it would be beneficial. The party is coming under criticism for not letting Parliament function. However, the party wants to see the offer coming from the government’s side before finally relenting.
Many in the party also feel that since the government is on the backfoot and it is important for the Congress to be aggressive and demand an explanation from the Prime Minister.
The problem being faced by the government is in Rajya Sabha as the strength of the opposition can stall the proceedings. But in Lok Sabha, the treasury benches outnumber the opposition numbers.
The floor leaders of the Congress are likely to meet before the House reconvenes on Wednesday to strategise. The Winter Session of Parliament ends of January 5.
