Winter Session from today, Oppn focus on scams

The Winter Session of Parliament beginning today is expected to be a hot affair for the Congress-led ruling coalition with the opposition gearing up for bringing to the fore the issue of corruption by raising "various scams" including the Adarsh housing scandal.

The Winter Session of Parliament beginning today is expected to be a hot affair for the Congress-led ruling coalition with the opposition gearing up for bringing to the fore the issue of corruption by raising "various scams" including the Adarsh housing scandal.

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Though Speaker Meira Kumar has convened a meeting of leaders of all political parties on the opening day to ensure a smooth session, it could be trouble for the government from the word go.

The NDA has threatened to stall the proceedings if "strong action" was not taken against all the guilty in the Adarsh housing scam. In fact, the Adarsh scam has become an ideal issue for the Opposition to target the ruling party with Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan's alleged links proving to be an embarrassment for Congress.

The opposition would utilise the opportunity to seek a discussion on the outcome of the US President Barack Obama's visit, including the assurances given by Washington on key issues.

While the floor strategy of the Opposition is unclear, the BJP-led NDA as also the Left parties have given enough hints that the scams would be their handle to beat the government with. The Opposition is insisting action on the allegations of scams surrounding 2G spectrum allocation and the Commonwealth Games during the month-long session. It will also seek a detailed discussion on the situation in Kashmir.

Striking a similar note, CPI leader D Raja said corruption would be a major issue for the Left. He also said the government would have to tell Parliament what was happening in Kashmir after the appointment of interlocutors to find a political solution to the issue.

Congress is expected to hit back by directing its firepower against RSS accusing it of being involved in terror acts and the BJP on the Babri Masjid demolition issue. A statement at the just-concluded AICC meeting had obliquely referred to the Ajmer blast saying recent revelations through detailed investigations have exposed the "true character" of RSS and its sister organisations.