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Friday, Dec 08, 2006
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BJP criticised for stalling Parliament

Special Correspondent

It impinged on House right: Dasgupta

NEW DELHI : The Communist Party of India on Thursday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Opposition for stalling the proceedings in Parliament, stating that it impinged on the right of the House to discuss issues of public importance and led to denigration of parliamentary system.

CPI Parliamentary Party leader Gurudas Dasgupta objected to the move by the Opposition to drag the Speaker's office.

Irrespective of the party to which the Speaker belonged, the post was neutral and "hurling abuses tantamount to weakening the Speaker and undermining the institution."

The Opposition should realise that in the current session, Parliament lost much time and disruptions not only meant loss of time but also opportunity and money. "If this goes on, the House would be incapacitated to deliver. Let us have a national consensus on not to disturb the [proceedings] of the House," he said, adding that he has now got the permission to move a Private Member's Bill demanding that Parliament meet at least 100 days in a year.

Mr. Dasgupta charged the Government with deliberating on shortening the Parliament session and in the current year, the total sittings would be 82 days.

Besides Parliament, many State legislatures were also meeting on fewer occasions, he said and suggested that Parliament take the lead. While members might be satisfied that they continue to work in the Committees, it was time for legislatures to mark their presence for reasons other than overturning furniture.

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