Published: Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010, 2:36 IST
By Harish Gupta | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_congress-acted-against-tainted-leaders-to-take-steam-out-of-opposition_1464508
With swift action against Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, the Congress has managed to take the steam out of the opposition’s aggressive intent in Parliament. What was expected to be a stormy session may turn out to bedocile, at least temporarily, after the party’s tough decision on the two scandal-tainted leaders.
The BJP-led opposition had enough ammunition to put the government on the defensive, in the form of issues like the Adarsh housing society scandal, Commonwealth Games (CWG) corruption and the 2G spectrum scam. The government has managed to nullify it for the moment.
It has conveyed to the opposition that it is ready for any form of inquiry, discussion or debate in Parliament on the CWG and the 2G spectrum allocation. Union telecom minister A Raja could not be sacked at this juncture as the Supreme Court is seized of the matter. The CAG had already sent its report to the finance ministry for its views on the spectrum scam.
On the CWG scandals, it conveyed that it has ordered a probe at various levels and is keen on cleaning up the sports bodies. It might even flaunt the Delhi high court ruling which upheld the notification curtailing the tenure of office-bearers to three terms or 12 years, whichever is lower.
What might trouble the BJP a bit is the alleged involvement of some of its leaders in the CWG scam.“We are not running away from debate and action. But do not hold the house to ransom on the basis of conjecture,” was the refrain of the government.
The BJP, on its part, may not go hammer and tongs at the government given the bonhomie between the parties in recent times. It was evident on Monday when Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi were invited for tea by senior BJP leader LK Advani at his chamber in the parliament house.
The 15-minute meeting established a good rapport between the leaders and it was evident in BJP’s lack of aggression in the Lok Sabha today.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, has decided that the Lok Sabha should function as per schedule and the question hour be held. Observers feel the main opposition is taking its time as the Union government is basking in the success of US president Barack Obama’s visit to the country. Moreover, since the prime minister is leaving for the G-20 summit tomorrow, it is not the opportune time to launch an attack.
