PM clears air

The PM, sources said, sought to dispel the notion that the Government was not ‘‘supportive’’ of the Speaker’s moves — the suggestion to refer the Supreme Court interim order on the Jharkhand Assembly case for a Presidential reference and the calling of the Speakers’ conference.

With Singh himself making the move to ‘‘clear the air and misunderstanding’’ between the Speaker and his Government, sources said, that once the dust settles on the Jharkhand issue, the Cabinet may consider the Presidential reference.

Chatterjee, quoting the PM, said: ‘‘He (the Prime Minister) said there was nothing against the Speaker and we appreciate your concerns. There is no confrontation or any such thing against the Speaker. It is for you to decide how you conduct your business.’’

When the Jharkhand controversy had peaked with the Government deciding against the Presidential reference, Chatterjee had said he not bothered about what the sarkar (government) does, that he would stick to his stand on, what he called, the “judicial encroachment”.

Later, Azad, in reference to BJP’s no-confidence-motion-threat, said: ‘‘UPA is totally in support of the Speaker.’’ Reiterating there were no differences, he added: ‘‘The Speaker had never made any demand for a Presidential reference, but only made a suggestion.’’ Azad also said the Speaker, as the head of presiding officers, was well within his right to convene a conference of Speakers and this cannot be construed as ‘‘showing any disrespect to the judiciary’’.

Somnathspeak

• Why should I continue to be used as a punching bag. I can say my wife told me if my conscience is clear, then you need not worry. I have decided to accept her advice. I say I will not leave under an artificially created cloud

• According to me the lakshman rekha was crossed. To me the Constitution is supreme. Neither the legislature or the Supreme Court is above it

• I am going through a political exile now. I am proud of my communist background…

• They can try to make me a villain —PTI