BJP cries foul, Manmohan says it’s not so improper

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh denied any breach of privilege of Parliament committed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in corresponding wit...

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh denied any breach of privilege of Parliament committed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in corresponding with the Government and his response to her wish list, ahead of the General Budget.

Responding to an exclusive report published in The Indian Express on his reply to Sonia’s wish-list on the Budget, Singh said: ‘‘What is breach of privilege? These are all discussions within the Government system outlining its thinking without revealing anything substantial.’’ Asked if the letter has caused any impropriety and whether it could have waited till after the presentation of the Budget, the PM said: ‘‘I think no impropriety has been committed.’’

Alleging impropriety, BJP is likely to move a privilege motion against the Prime Minister and seek a clarification before the Finance Minister presents his Budget. The party will meet on Monday, ahead of the Budget to chalk out their strategy.

Taking exception to Singh’s reply, former Finance minister Yashwant Sinha said: ‘‘Our only objection is that what is going to be in the Budget has been told to Sonia Gandhi and mentioning even part of it is wrong.’’

Asked repeatedly if the party would demand the PM’s resignation on this issue, he added: ‘‘We will raise the issue regarding the Prime Minister’s reply to the letter by the Congress President before the Finance Minister presents the Budget and seek a clarification from him.’’

Congress spokesman Anand Sharma contended that Sonia was the chairperson of both UPA and the National Advisory Council. ‘‘There is no impropriety in the Prime Minister receiving any specific inputs from her.’’ When pointed out that it was a question of output and not input, Sharma said: ‘‘They (NDA leaders) are jumping the gun…. Let the Budget come and then we would know if there is a breach of privilege or not’’.