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Journalism of Courage
Embarrassed over its failure to ensure quorum in the Lok Sabha, the Congress today maintained that party president Sonia Gandhi has taken serious note of the absence of MPs.
The crucial debate on the Finance Bill scheduled in the post-lunch session was delayed by 35 minutes because the House did not have quorum with only 35 members present against the required minimum strength of 55. Bells rang for 10 minutes to get members back into the House at 2 pm but when there was still no quorum, the House was adjourned till 2.30 pm.
For the Congress, which is making out a case for Opposition apathy towards Parliament due to the boycott, the development could not have been more ill-timed. Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma told reporters while responding to a volley of questions: ‘‘The Congress president has taken serious note of the party absentees. She has directed Parliamentary Affairs Minister (Ghulam Nabi Azad) and CPP officer-bearers to ensure members’ attendance and participation in House proceedings.’’
