'UPA govt's move to prorogue Parliament unilateral'

Jaipur, Mar 24: Praising Sonia Gandhi for her resignation, the Communist Party of India (CPI), however, today (Mar 24, 2006) expressed annoyance at the UPA Goverment's unilateral decision to prorogue Parliament.

Addressing a press meet here party general secretary, A B Bardhan said the CPI was against any such ordinance UPA's reaction over the matter has been unilateral and panicky. It shows their mismanagement as no talks have been held with supporting parties,'' he added.

He said Congress has only 145 MPs in the House but acts as if it has 345 members on its side, adding the Congress should have discussed with all parties before proroguing the House and should have defined what constitutes an office of profit.

Terming it ''unfortunate'' that Jaya Bachchan was singled out and disqualified from Rajya Sabha membership, he, however, praised Sonia Gandhi's resignation, saying, ''She has done a commendable job befitting her stature. But the move is good for her as she was being targeted individually.'' He said a provision for an Act on Prevention of disqualification of holding office of profit has been there since a long time which should be discussed and debated soon as the Parliament reconvenes.

The message should not go out to the public that the ordinance is being brought to save a few important individuals, ''Mr Bardhan said.

Many MPs and MLAs holds a number of offices but it doesn't mean they incur wealth from that position. Forty other MPs are being targeted, so the whole issue should be debated and sorted out, he added.

Speaking about Rajasthan, he said a RSS type mentality is developing in the state and secular elementshere should not let it become another Gujarat.

He said the BJP Government in the state is instigating attacks against Christians and other minorities.

UNI