Terror, meltdown on House agenda

Terror and the impact of economic meltdown are likely to dominate the 13-day Parliament session opening tomorrow, with Home Minister P Chidambaram expected to make a statement on the Mumbai blasts, report Saroj Nagi and Shekhar Iyer.

Terror and the impact of economic meltdown are likely to dominate the 13-day Parliament session opening Wednesday, with Home Minister P. Chidambaram expected to make a statement on the Mumbai blasts on Thursday as a prelude to a full-fledged discussion on the issue.

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The former finance minister would also reply to parliamentary questions on the ministry — the portfolio now with PM Manmohan Singh. Singh has reportedly informed the presiding officers about this.

With a 3:2 victory in the recent polls, the Congress is going into the session with greater confidence and the Opposition BJP — though it may not be very aggressive initially — would keep up the pressure.

After meeting at L.K. Advani’s residence, the party decided it would seek answers on the government’s plans to combat terror, avert Mumbai-type attacks and force Pakistan to shut terrorist camps. On its part, after getting it past the Cabinet, the UPA could come out with measures like creating a Federal Investigation Agency and a legal framework to counter terror.

Ready to debate the issue of economic meltdown, the government’s legislative agenda includes the Money Laundering bill that will also be used to come down on terrorists and their funding. For building consensus on issues, Pranab Mukherjee will hold an all-party meeting on Thursday.

While the two Houses would get adjourned on Wednesday because of former PM V.P. Singh’s death, Somnath Chatterjee will confer with party leaders on Wednesday on the smooth conduct of proceedings.