The Hindu : National : “Conclusion on nuclear debate cannot be reached under Rule 193”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 28, 2007
ePaper

National

National

“Conclusion on nuclear debate cannot be reached under Rule 193”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the nuclear debate in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the government on Tuesday made it clear that “the sense of the House” cannot be obtained through a short duration discussion under Rule 193. “You cannot reach a conclusion in a debate conducted under a rule which does not entail voting,” Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said.

The discussion on the India-U.S. civil nuclear deal is expected to begin early on Wednesday afternoon and the government is hopeful of wrapping it up the same day. While External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is slated to reply to the discussion, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to intervene at some point.

The Congress is likely to field six speakers, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot, in the discussion. Besides, there were indications that Ministers representing various coalition partners have been lined up for speaking in favour of the deal to demonstrate the United Progressive Alliance support.

Prior to the debate on the nuclear issue, the Lok Sabha is expected to discuss the Assam situation.

Given the gravity of the situation in that State, Mr. Dasmunsi said a discussion on the issue was likely despite the heavy schedule for Wednesday.

Also, according to the Minister, the government was prepared to make a statement on Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National