Oppn looks to corner govt in RS

KV Prasad

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 2

Furore over the remarks by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister crediting militants and Pakistan for smooth conduct of polls in the continued to dog the Narendra Modi government with the Opposition planning to keep up the pressure over the issue.

The Opposition, which enjoys numerical superiority in the Rajya Sabha, plans to take up the matter forcefully as the Prime Minister is scheduled to respond to the Motion of Thanks to President’s address to the joint session tomorrow.

Stung by the sharp criticism of Prime Minister Modi in the Lok Sabha last week on policies pursued by the previous Congress-led UPA government, the principal party in the Opposition in the Upper House wants to step up the offensive as a sequel to the forceful manner in which the Congress took up the Mufti remarks in the Lok Sabha today.

Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge sought a resolution be adopted by the House condemning the remarks by the J&K Chief Minister and recording the services of the Election Commission and authorities, including security for the successful conduct of the polls in the state. Since there was no formal request to this effect, the matter could not be pursued. However, sources in the Congress suggested that a move could be attempted in the Rajya Sabha.

Adding additional ammunition to the opposition fire is yet another remarks by newly-elected ruling party legislators in Jammu and Kashmir seeking return of mortal remains of Afzal Guru hanged for his role in attack on Parliament. Guru body was buried inside Tihar Jail here after being his death sentence was carried in 2013.

Besides making the going difficult for the ruling coalition on an issue causing discomfort to the BJP, the ruling coalition parliamentary managers will need to walk a tightrope on the passage of five Bills to replace the ordinances.

The Lok Sabha passed The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to remove disparity between Persons of Indian Origin cardholders and Overseas Citizens of India cardholders. This is one of the six ordinances issued by the Modi government after Parliament adjourned in December 2014 and have to be passed by both Houses before the recess this month, failing which these would lapse.