Cong core group meets,skips decision

With NCP chief and Union minister Sharad Pawar openly expressing his reservation over bringing an ordinance on the food security Bill

With NCP chief and Union minister Sharad Pawar openly expressing his reservation over bringing an ordinance on the food security Bill,the Congress leadership on Friday was back to the drawing board recalibrating the strategy to push through the populist legislation.

The Congress core group chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi and attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed the issue once again and sources said it did not arrive at any decision. The party had made up its mind to adopt the ordinance route but was undecided on the timing.

Pawars comments have forced the party to look at the issue afresh.

Breaking his silence on the issue,Pawar said he was in favour of approving the food Bill through discussion in Parliament which was the highest forum. He,however,made it clear that he was not opposed to the Bill. The issue is how. Whether through ordinance or debate in Parliament. I am not opposed to the Bill, he said.

Sensing Pawars mood,the Congress has already decided to reach out to him. It was decided at the highest level that Food Minister K V Thomas should speak to Pawar and other alliance leaders Farooq Abdullah and Ajit Singh before taking a final call on the ordinance route.

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary insisted the partys first preference was to bring the Bill in Parliament and pass it after discussions and argued there was no division between the NCP and the Congress. She,however,pointed out that if there is a blockade in Parliament,we have to ensure that the food reaches the people who need it.

There is no division between Congress and NCP. We have great regard for what Sharad Pawar says. Our intent is also that it should come through Parliament after discussions with all, she said. Sources said the Congress core group would meet again to discuss the issue before a final decision is taken on whether to bring an ordinance or go for a special session.