New Delhi March 11. The Opposition parties in Parliament today kept up the pressure on the Government to state its stand categorically on the looming war over Iraq. In both the Houses, Opposition members joined hands demanding a statement from the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed uproarious scenes for 30 minutes. The issue
was raised during zero hour by Pranab Mukherjee(Cong.), who said that
Mr. Vajpayee should take Parliament into confidence. The all-party
meeting is not a substitute for making a statement on the floor of the
House. There are several issues such as whether U.S. war planes would
be allowed (here) and whether the Indian soil would be used...
he
said.
As the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, rose to say that as per the direction of the Chair on Monday that either the Prime Minister or his nominee come to the House and make a statement, the External Affairs Minister came to make a statement. But Congress, CPI(M) and RJD members were on their feet demanding that the Prime Minister come to the House.
Mr. Mukherjee said that except making some references while replying
to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, the Prime
Minister did not make any statement on Iraq. This is a peculiar
situation. We expected the Prime Minister to take the House into
confidence as it is a matter of concern to all.
Ms. Swaraj clarified that on Monday she had not given any assurance about Mr. Vajpayee coming to the House and as directed by the Chair, Yashwant Sinha was present to make a statement. This raised another din and the Deputy Chairperson, Najma Heptulla, then asked Ms. Swaraj whether the Prime Minister would make a statement. Ms. Swaraj said if the members so desired, he would come to the House at a convenient time.
The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha during question hour by Prabod
Panda of the CPI(M). He was supported by Shivraj Patil (Cong.) who
stressed that this being a very grim issue that affects the
nation’s interest deeply, Mr. Vajpayee must make a statement
before Parliament
.
Somnath Chatterjee (CPI-M) lamented that at the all-party meeting on
Monday, the Government did not agree to a joint resolution of
Parliament condemning a war on Iraq. There was no reason for India not
to oppose a war. We should also make it absolutely clear that our
facilities will not be available in the war against Iraq,
he said.
The Government, however, received unexpected support from the former Prime Minister, Chandra Shekhar.
He urged the Opposition not to insist on a parliamentary resolution, as it would bind the Government and deny it elbow room in a rapidly changing situation. As Prime Minister in 1991, he had allowed refuelling facilities to American planes during the first Gulf war.
Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP) joined issue with the Opposition for criticising the Government
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