Government bends again, agrees to debate Maken

Governement today ruled out any discussion in Parliament on CAG report on CWG, but indicated readiness to discuss issue related to the sports minister's statement over which the NDA gave a privilege notice.

Government on Monday ruled out any discussion in Parliament on the CAG report on Commonwealth Games projects, but indicated readiness to discuss the issue related to sports minister Ajay Maken's statement over which the NDA has given a privilege notice.

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"Our job is to break the impasse in Parliament and talk to the Opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament. We have talked to the Opposition, which is demanding a discussion on the statement of sports minister Ajay Maken. We are not shying away from any discussion," minister of state for parliamentary affairs Rajiv Shukla said.

His statement came as both the Houses were adjourned following uproar by opposition which is pressing for resignation of Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit after the CAG report pointed fingers at her over irregularities in Commonwealth Games projects.

He said, "On this subject (Maken's statement), we are willing to have a discussion, except that the CAG report cannot be discussed in Parliament. Whatever is permissible under rules, we are ready for it."

The BJP on Monday gave a privilege notice against the sports minister, alleging that he had misled Parliament by his statement on Suresh Kalmadi's appointment as CWG Organising Committee chairman and wanted immediate discussion on the issue.

Maken had said that Kalmadi was made CWG OC chief by IOA as per Host City Contract approved during the NDA rule and there was no scope for any change.