Baalu issue likely to rock Parliament

Fireworks are expected to continue in Parliament over the issue of Shipping Minister TR Baalu allegedly using his influence to get natural gas for companies owned by his sons.

Fireworks are expected to continue in Parliament on Monday over the issue of Shipping Minister T R Baalu allegedly using his influence to get natural gas for companies owned by his sons.

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Opposition managers will decide about their floor strategy on the issue at a meeting Monday morning. Deputy leader of BJP V K Malhotra indicated that a decision on whether to bring in a motion against the minister would be taken up at the meeting. The issue has already disrupted the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha for two days.

The row involving the shipping minister has turned into a major controversy with BJP targetting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking an explanation as to why the PMO had written letters favouring early gas supply to companies owned by the family of Baalu.

The Opposition continued to disrupt proceedings with BJP and AIADMK wanting the Congress-led government to come clean on the issue.

BJP is raking up the issue in the Rajya Sabha vigorously apparently to strengthen its blossoming ties with AIADMK.
AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa has demanded resignation of Baalu on the issue.