Govt, Opposition look for facesaver

The government and the Opposition are looking for a "facesaver" to break the logjam that saw the two Houses of Parliament being adjourned over price rise for the fourth successive day on Friday. HT reports.

The government and the Opposition are looking for a "facesaver" to break the logjam that saw the two Houses of Parliament being adjourned over price rise for the fourth successive day on Friday.

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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly broached the matter with Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj after a meeting to discuss the appointment of two vigilance commissioners.

There was no word of a breakthrough. But by Monday, sources hope to identify a"middle ground", however limited, to the satisfaction of both sides.

They also talked of working out a mutually acceptable draft that focuses on price rise without criticising the government to set the stage for a debate sans voting. But there is no final word on this yet.

The BJP wants a debate under rule 184 in Lok Sabha (and 168 in Rajya Sabha) involving a vote, with its senior leader S S Ahluwalia threatening to block Parliament again on Monday.

The UPA is opposed to a debate that imposes the burden of mustering numbers. Besides, UPA allies like the Trinamool and supporters like the RJD, the SP and the BSP are opposed to a vote despite their public posturing for it as they do not want to be seen siding either with the BJP or the government on price rise.

RJD's Lalu Prasad reportedly urged Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee to ensure that there is no vote. The Left, too, wouldn't mind a general debate.

Ultimately, it will be for the presiding officers to give their ruling on the nature of the debate.

While rejecting the adjournment motion, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had underlined the need to discuss price rise in the House. She can ill-afford to ignore the sentiments of members while giving her ruling on the notices under rule 184.