‘Kalam move no setback for party, govt’

Addressing the question of uniformity across the country on office of profit norms, another query by President Kalam, Natarajan said: ‘‘The question here is if the Parliament can legislate for state legislatures. This and other issues raised by the President requires serious consideration.’’

The party seems to have made up its mind to return the Bill to the President in its present form. ‘‘There are specific cases of legislations on OoP clauses with retrospective effect being upheld by the Supreme Court. The logic of retrospective effect was debated in the Parliament before passing the Bill,’’ a Congress leader said.

‘‘There wasn’t a lack of wisdom on the part of the government. It is a law passed by both houses of the Parliament and we hope the government can convince the President of its validity,’’ Natarajan said.

Left way out: Pass Bill again

NEW DELHI: With their image taking a hit in the office-of-profit case following the President’s move, the Left parties will tell the Government that the only way out is to have the Bill passed again by Parliament and sending it back to the President. The issue will figure when the four Left parties meet on Thursday, ostensibly to discuss the UPA government’s performance.

The parties are aware that with leading Left MPs facing disqualification with complaints lying before the Election Commission, they could end up being the biggest losers if the Bill falls through. So far, the Left has taken an aggressive stand saying none of its MPs hold an office-of-profit.