Opposition gears up to corner Govt on Tharoor, price rise

A united Opposition is all set to corner the government on the Shashi Tharoor controversy and price rise in Parliament, which reassembles today after a month-long break.

A united Opposition is all set to corner the government on the Shashi Tharoor controversy and price rise in Parliament, which reassembles on Thursday after a month-long break.

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Opposition has drawn up plans to give the Government a tough time with the BJP-led NDA making it clear that it would coordinate with other parties in bringing a cut motion to force rollback of the hike in prices of petroleum products and fertilisers.

It has also sought dismissal of Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor for his alleged "misuse of office" for a lady friend in the Kochi IPL team case, a charge denied by him.

BJP has 116 members while its allies JD (U) have 20; Shiv Sena has 11 and Akali Dal four.

The three-week long session is set to begin on a stormy note with NDA demanding suspension of Question Hour in both Houses and seeking debate on the Dantewada naxal attack that claimed lives of 76 security personnel.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi held strategy session with senior party leaders and Union Ministers this evening on ways and means to brace the opposition onslaught, which may put to a close test the strength of the ruling UPA.

NDA leaders also held parleys with its Working Chairman and BJP leader L K Advani and it decided to bring cut motions on issues related to price rise.

"NDA will also issue three-line whips to its MPs to get the cut motions passed in the Lok Sabha. All cut motions will be related to price rise which affects the common people and national interest," Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha, S S Ahluwalia said.

Thirteen non-NDA and non-UPA parties grouping, which have been brought together by the Left parties, have also decided to bring a cut motion. The grouping together accounts for 87 MPs.

Congress-led UPA has strength of around 265 members, including some independents and it can look for some solace from BSP, which has disassociated from the 13-party grouping. BSP has strength of 21 in the 543-member House.

A cut motion puts to test the strength of the government in the Lok Sabha. If the motion is adopted, it amounts to defeat of the government on a money matter.

Congress as well as government has remained unfazed by the opposition moves saying along with its allies, it is fully prepared to face any eventuality.