CPI(M) MPs not holding office of profit: Karat

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 24 (UNI) CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat today said it was ridiculous to say that his party MPs were holding office of profit.

Talking to newspersons here, he said there was not much clarity on the issue and it should be debated in Parliament for necessary legislative action.

''We don't consider even the National Advisory Council (NAC) as an office of profit. But (Congress president) Mrs Sonia Gandhi responded to the charges and allegations made by the BJP and others,'' he added.

He said Speaker Somanath Chatterjee, as an MP, had been holding the post of Chairman of Sriniketan-Santiniketan for the past 17 years. ''He does not enjoy personal staff, car or any other office of profit in his capacity as chairman,'' he said.

Asked whether the CPI(M) would demand re-convening of the Parliament Session to take up the matter, he said the political parties could discuss the matter and it could be taken up if the session was convened again.

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