New Delhi, July 31: Confrontation appears imminent in the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning on Monday with a combative Prime Minister Manmohan Singh telling the opposition bluntly of having “too many skeletons in its cupboard”, a remark that raised the hackles of the BJP.
“We are not afraid of discussing issues of corruption. The opposition also has too many skeletons in its cupboard. We are not afraid of discussing any issue,” Singh told reporters after an all party meeting convened by Speaker Meira Kumar on the eve of the Monsoon Session.
Singh's remark came in response to a question whether the government was apprehensive of a tough session ahead in view of the Left and the Right making common cause on the issue of corruption and price rise.
Virtually accepting Singh's challenge, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj dared the government declaring “let us see who attacks whom from tomorrow“.
She also accused Singh of starting a confrontation even before the start of the five-week long session.
“See he has started it. The government is free to bring out all the arrows in its quiver. Let us see who has more arrows in its quiver,” she countered.
With the BJP and the Left set to mount pressure on the 2G issue, Singh sought to take the sting out of Opposition attack, saying Parliament should not “pre-judge” it as the matter was before court.
“The matter is before court. It should be left to be decided by the court and Parliament should not pre-judge the issue,” he said.
On Anna Hazarae' threat to go on a fast from August 16 in protest against a “weak” Lokpal Bill, Singh said the Lokpal Bill's fate will be decided by Parliament.
“As you know, we are ready with the Lokpal Bill. Lokpal Bill's fate will be decided by Parliament. In a democracy, Parliament is a sovereign body, it should be allowed ti function and discharge its duty,” he said.
On Telangana MPs and MLAs resigning over the statehood demand, Dr. Singh hoped that the government would overcome the issue.
The session is expected to be tumultuous with the Opposition raring to have a go at the government on a host of issues ranging from corruption and price rise to Telangana and terrorism. PTI
