NDA to block reforms; no more trust votes

In a move that could unite Opposition ranks in Parliament, the BJP-led NDA on Monday decided against backing pro-reforms legislations if the UPA chooses to bring them before the House.

It considers the UPA government to be “illegitimate as it mustered majority through doubtful means” and therefore, “unworthy of its support” though many NDA parties are not opposed to the proposed changes.

The BJP and other Opposition parties would prefer that a new government take a call on these bills after the next elections.

NDA leaders, who met at LK Advani’s residence on Monday, also think a no-confidence motion against the government at this stage would not serve any purpose.

The NDA’s strong stand against any support for the UPA’s proposed legislation — to reform banking, insurance and provident fund management — is to convey its anger over the manner in which 22 Opposition MPs were “lured” to gain majority in the Lok Sabha.

The bills include the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill and the SBI (Amendment) Bill.