The Hindu : National : Linking session with polls outrageous: CPI

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Thursday, Oct 25, 2007
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Linking session with polls outrageous: CPI

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has criticised the government for its proposed move to advance and shorten the duration of the winter session of Parliament.

CPI Member of Parliament Gurudas Dasgupta said Parliament dates could always be advanced as it was the prerogative of the government, but to tie it up with the election schedule of a particular State was ‘outrageous’ because State elections took place so often in India.

He accused various governments of “diluting” the democratic processes for their political convenience by advancing, shortening and re-scheduling Parliament sessions. “Earlier, Parliament duration was shortened because of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. It is primarily being done by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party,” he said.

Suggesting there be business as usual in Parliament with an increase in the number of days to compensate for the time lost in the previous session due to curtailment, Mr. Dasgupta said this would help in the completion of pending work. There are 30 government bills pending in Parliament.

The debate on the nuclear deal was scheduled, as was a discussion on price rise, he pointed out.

Curtailment, Mr. Dasgupta said, amounted to bypassing Parliament

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