The Hindu : National : Explain follow-up action after expulsion: Raja

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Sunday, Dec 25, 2005

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National

Explain follow-up action after expulsion: Raja

Special Correspondent

`Advani's comment on disproportionate punishment has no relevance'

SALEM: All India Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) D. Raja has urged the Centre to "explain the follow-up action" it would initiate against those Members of Parliament (MP) who were expelled for involvement in the cash-for-questions scam, as they were "no longer MPs."

"They are fundamentally expelled from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and hence cease to enjoy any forms of immunity," the CPI's national leader pointed out while talking to The Hindu here on Saturday while responding to a query whether the government could initiate a suo motu action against the expelled MPs under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. "Let the government clarify," he said.

Reacting to the observations of Opposition leader L.K. Advani that the punishment to the MPs was disproportionate to their offences, Mr. Raja urged him to spell out clearly what sort of punishment should be given to them.

"Without specifying the nature of punishment, it (Mr. Advani's comment) has no relevance in this context," he said.

It was a serious offence and had sullied the image of the Parliamentary democracy, he said and added that Question Hour was meant for raising issues concerning people and the country. "This time slot cannot be traded," he said.

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