Govt not for office of profit ordinance

Defence Minister says Govt will discuss the issue with all political parties before taking the next step. Why this obsession?

Denying that the Centre wants an ordinance on the office of profit issue, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that the Government will discuss the issue with all political parties before taking the next step.

"We are in favour of discussing the issue with all parties. But I can tell you that the Government has no intention of bringing an ordinance on the issue," he said.

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Mukherjee, who is also the West Bengal PCC chief, said that the resignation of Congress President Sonia Gandhi from the Lok Sabha would have a positive impact in the ensuing assembly elections in the state.

He said that Gandhi, who had earlier declined to be the Prime Minister, has 'introduced a new element in Indian politics' by deciding to resign from the Lok Sabha and going to the people to explain her position.

Criticising the BJP for its claim that the Centre was trying to protect Gandhi by bringing an ordinance, he said, "it was based on conjecture. There was no such intention ... They created a pandemonium on the last day of the House and paralysed the proceedings.

"The House had to be adjourned several times ... Over the last two years, there has not been a single day when they have not created trouble in the House. Those in the BJP will now have to explain their conduct."