Volcker stalls Houses; PM replies, in writing

Describing the proceedings as “unfortunate”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in an unusual step, issued a written statement outside the House, saying the government was prepared for discussions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister P.R. Dasmunsi said the Opposition was interested in disruption, not discussion.

“The house can function only if Sonia Gandhi and Natwar Singh resign. It cannot run till then,” BJP deputy leader V.K. Malhotra said repeatedly. Parliamentary Affairs Minister P.R. Dasmunsi said the government was ready for a discussion on the Volcker Committee findings and said it could even start straight away.

As the din continued, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee questioned the members: “You do not want this House to function ?” As his pleas went unheeded, Chatterjee said he was adjourning the House till tomorrow as “many Opposition members, it seems, are bent upon not allowing the House to run”.

While Sonia was present in the House, seated in the front row, Natwar Singh was not seen.

Today is the first working day of the Winter Session as the House was adjourned yesterday after paying homage to former President K.R. Narayanan.

The Opposition has made known its intention of stalling proceedings in Parliament on the Volcker issue. It has been demanding the resignation of Singh, who is minister without portfolio and Gandhi from the chairpersonship of the National Advisory Council on the National Common Minimum Programme. Gandhi enjoys cabinet status in view of this post.

Trouble started soon after the Speaker allowed Malhotra to speak on an adjournment motion moved by the BJP leader on the issue. Malhotra demanded the resignation of Gandhi and Natwar Singh.