The Hindu : National : Job not satisfying: Somnath

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Friday, Dec 24, 2004

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National

Job not satisfying: Somnath

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 23. Despite the relatively smooth conduct of the winter session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, is not fully satisfied. "Compared to the last two sessions, things were much better this time. We had to adjourn for the day only once. I am still not entirely satisfied," he told The Hindu.

Mr. Chatterjee has had his hands full in trying to ensure that the Lok Sabha functions smoothly and is able to transact business. Despite his efforts, Mr. Chatterjee says there is very little job satisfaction.

"Unless the people are satisfied that we are discharging the duties that we were elected to perform, what is the point. I'm not here just to enjoy the perks of moving around in a car with sirens blaring.''

Though much of the session passed off without too much of trouble, towards the end the two sides appeared to be straining at the leash over the Lalu Prasad issue.

The Bharatiya Janata Party wanted the Speaker to pull up the Minister and also direct the Prime Minister to give a statement on the issue.

Mr. Chatterjee refused to oblige, and a section of the Opposition then accused him of being dictatorial.

Upset over the charge being levelled against him, Mr. Chatterjee offered to resign.

"I was accused of being dictatorial. I challenge anybody to show me one instance of where I did not give the Opposition a chance. It was demanded that I direct the Prime Minister to give a statement. Will somebody educate me under which rule could I have done that," he asked.

Hurt over insinuations

He appeared particularly hurt over insinuations that he was partisan in his approach. "Can anybody please cite one example? The CPI(M) MPs are complaining that they are not getting enough chances under me. In fact, the first MP I forced to sit down was the leader of the CPI(M) Parliamentary Party, Basudeb Acharia," he said.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said he was trying his best to give all the parties in the House a chance.

"My effort is to give even the smaller parties enough opportunities. Their voice must also be heard."

Mr. Chatterjee has been trying to initiate a series of measures to make the functioning of Parliament more transparent.

A week ago Doordarshan started live telecast of the entire proceedings of both the Houses.

The Speaker has now asked for cable network owners to meet him and explain why the proceedings are not being shown on their cable networks.

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