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Political Notes |
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Cabinet expansion likely after the Parliament session
There are reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may carry out the much delayed and long expected expansion of his Council of Ministers after the end of the monsoon session of Parliament. The session is scheduled to end on August 25, but there are reports that the Government may propose its extension by three-four days so that the National Disaster Management Bill could be passed. The Bill is pending with a Standing Committee and the Government is keen to get it passed after it is received back. The proposed cabinet expansion is likely to address demands for regional representation. Several states have no representative in the Council of Ministers at present. These include Orissa, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. The names of Ambika Soni, A.K. Antony Giridhar Gamang and Anand Sharma are said to be under consideration. There are about half a dozen vacancies in the Council of Ministers either because of deaths or resignations. Some Ministers holding twin charges may also be relieved of the extra portfolios.
JMM leader Shibu Soren is reported to be pressing hart for his return to the Union Cabinet.
Left to oppose oil price hike
With the Government indicating the urgency of a rise in petroleum prices, the Left has again started its “spare the consumer campaign.” The CPI(M) says that the Government and private oil companies should share the burden of the increasing international crude prices which have touched nearly $67 a barrel.
The CPI(M) sought a “national consensus” on the issue reiterating its alternative proposals, several of which have been echoed by the BJP. Insisting that the Government revisit the tax structure in the sector and “force” private refiners to share the burden, the CPI(M) said the increase in tax and duties was a double burden on the consumer and public sector oil companies.
The people and the PSUs have been bearing the burden, but there should be an equitable sharing of the burden. The Left wants a national debate on this issue, “ CPI(M) leader Nilotpal Basu said.
Flutter in the Lok Sabha on newspaper article
There was an uproar in the Lok Sabha last week over an article in an English newspaper, The Pioneer, alleging that Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has been partisan in discharging his responsibilities. The House had to be adjourned briefly on Friday, August 12, on the issue. Members from the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party and the RJD said the article eroded the dignity of the office of the Speaker. Ramjilal Suman of the Samajwadi Party sought to move a breach of privilege notice against the newspaper for the article. He found support from the Left members, but the move was opposed by the BJP. Interestingly, the Janata Dal United, a constituent of the NDA crossed swords with the BJP on the issue. The BJP was almost isolated on the issue and there were not many takers in the House for BJP member V.K. Malhotra’s plea that the matter fell in the domain of the freedom of the press. The Speaker sought to close the matter, but UPA members felt that it was too serious an attack on the institution of the Speaker and the House as a whole to be ignored.
Earlier in the week, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee asserted that it was his duty as Speaker of the Lok Sabha to protect the interest of the legislature.
Mulayam Singh Yadav wins trust vote
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav sprang a surprise on the Opposition in the State Assembly on Monday, August 8, by moving a confidence motion which was later adopted by voice vote. The motion came on the last day of the monsoon session of the Assembly. The BJP members protested against the motion saying that it should have been brought up after following the proper procedure. Leader of the Opposition Lalji Tandon said there was no reason for moving such a motion as the Opposition had not expressed any doubt about the Government’s majority. The Chief Minister, however, said, “some reports were creating confusion in this regard and the leader of a responsible party was issuing statements casting a doubt on the majority commanded by the Government”, but did not elaborate. He also said he had no intention of recommending the dissolution of the House.
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