And now NDA moves guns against Maken

NDA today gave separate privilege notices in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha against Sports Minister Ajay Maken's statement on the Commonwealth Games. Maken, in a suo motu statement on the CWG, had put the blame on the BJP-led opposition for appointment of Suresh Kalmadi as CWG Organising Committee chief. Earlier, both houses were adjourned after lot of commotion.

The decision to move the notices was taken by NDA leaders at a meeting chaired by senior BJP leader L K Advani. The NDA decided in case their notice was rejected, they would not allow the two Houses to function. The NDA is seeking a debate on the matter, after suspension of question hour.
While Yashwant Sinha would move the privilege notice in the Lok Sabha, S S Ahluwalia would move the notice in the Rajya Sabha. With CAG report stating that Kalmadi was appointed CWG Organising Committee chief based on a PMO recommendation, Maken had said on Friday that he was elected to the post by the IOA as per the Host City Contract approved by the NDA regime and "there was no scope for any change".
Maken had also rejected a suggestion that the decision to appoint Kalmadi as OC chairman facilitated the conversion of the originally envisaged government-run OC into a body outside government control.
In a statement, Maken had said that as per the Host City Contract signed on November 13, 2003 by the IOA, Delhi's Lt Governor and the then Sports Secretary, it was the Commonwealth Games Association - IOA in case of India – which was to establish the OC to organise the Games.
"The Cabinet of the NDA government, in a decision taken on September 11, 2003, had also agreed to underwrite any shortfall between revenue and expenditure of OC," the statement said.

Combative opposition to corner govt

As there is no let up in heat outside, it is expected that the parliament would also witness lot of fireworks. The issue of price rise is expected to generate heat in Lok Sabha today with the Left parties planning to move an adjournment motion and the BJP also seeking debate on the issue under a rule which entails voting.

  

"We will move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha tomorrow on the issue of price rise,"CPI Secretary D Raja told PTI. The announcement came close on the heels of the BJP stating it will demand a discussion on price rise under Rule 184 in Lok Sabha which entails voting.

  

In a clear signal that the Left and the Right are making a common cause on the crucial issue, former Finance Minister and BJP MP Yashwant Sinha will initiate the demand for this discussion in the Lower House.

   

JD (U) President and NDA Convenor Sharad Yadav will also demand discussion and voting on price rise in the Lok Sabha. Raja said that in the Rajya Sabha too the Left parties would demand a discussion on price rise under a rule which entails voting. However, the government appeared confident of finding a way out and ensure smooth functioning of the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said he and Leader of the Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee were having"positive"talks with the opposition and"we will be able to have good, healthy, constructive discussions in the House.For a change."